Saudi Arabia, ILO Deepen Partnership to Strengthen Worker Rights

The programme forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider efforts to modernize its labour market while creating better opportunities and working conditions for both Saudi and migrant workers.

Saudi Arabia and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have renewed their commitment to working together on the third phase of their Programme of Cooperation, a partnership designed to support labour market development, strengthen institutions, and improve protections for workers across the Kingdom.

The commitment was reaffirmed during high-level talks held in Geneva on 4 June 2026 between ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi. The discussions reviewed progress made so far and outlined priorities for the next stage of cooperation.

The programme forms part of Saudi Arabia's wider efforts to modernize its labour market while creating better opportunities and working conditions for both Saudi and migrant workers. Officials from both sides stressed the importance of maintaining close collaboration as labour market reforms continue to evolve.

Progress Seen in Skills Development and Labour Market Governance

Several initiatives have already been carried out under the current phase of cooperation. One of the most significant achievements has been a comprehensive analysis of forced labour risks within the Kingdom, helping authorities better understand challenges and identify areas for improvement.

The Ministry has also adopted the ILO's Skills for Trade and Economic Diversification (STED) methodology, a framework that helps countries anticipate future workforce needs and align training programmes with labour market demands. This step is expected to strengthen long-term skills planning and improve employment opportunities in key economic sectors. Additional efforts have focused on building the capacity of Sector Skills Councils and the Occupational Safety and Health Council. Training programmes have also been delivered to cooperative owners and Ministry personnel, helping improve institutional knowledge and workplace standards.

Speaking about the partnership, Minister Al-Rajhi said Saudi Arabia's labour market transformation is driven by the goal of balancing economic competitiveness with social progress. He noted that cooperation with the ILO supports the Kingdom's vision of creating a labour market that is more inclusive, resilient, and prepared for future challenges while expanding opportunities and protections for workers.

Future Plans Include Social Protection and Labour Mobility Reforms

The next phase of cooperation is expected to cover a broad range of labour-related priorities. Planned activities include strengthening social dialogue mechanisms, improving labour mobility and recruitment systems, and enhancing protections for domestic workers. The programme will also support measures aimed at expanding access to justice and social protection for workers. Efforts to strengthen labour inspection systems and occupational safety and health frameworks will remain a major focus as authorities continue working to improve workplace conditions.

ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo welcomed Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing worker protections in line with international labour standards. He said the ongoing cooperation demonstrates the value of sustained collaboration in building a labour market that offers greater opportunities, stronger rights, and decent work for all. Another important objective of the programme will be supporting the effective implementation of international labour standards that Saudi Arabia has ratified. This includes ensuring that commitments are reflected not only in legislation but also in workplace practices and enforcement mechanisms throughout the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia continues its economic transformation, the partnership with the ILO is expected to play an important role in shaping policies that promote growth while improving the lives and working conditions of millions of workers.