Article 131 bis of the Saudi Labor Law
المادة 131 مكرر من نظام العمل · الباب الثامن: الوقاية من مخاطر العمل والوقاية من الحوادث الصناعية الكبرى وإصابات العمل والخدمات الصحية والاجتماعية
Article 131 bis authorizes the Minister to specify by decision the dangerous or harmful occupations and work, and the categories barred from them or employed only on special conditions, consistent with international conventions.
Text of the added article (Arabic)
This article was added to the law by Royal Decree No. M/5 dated 7/1/1442 AH.
يحدد الوزير – بقرار منه – المهن والأعمال التي تعد خطرة أو ضارة أو من شأنها أن تعرض العامل لأخطار أو أضرار غير عادية، والفئات التي يحظر -–دائماً أو مؤقتاً _ تشغيلها فيها أو يكون تشغيلها فيها بشروط خاصة، بما في ذلك مدى الحاجة إلى تحديد أوقات العمل لأي من تلك الفئات، وذلك بما يتوافق مع التزامات المملكة ذات الصلة الواردة في الاتفاقيات الدولية
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 131 bis explained in plain English
This article gives the Minister the power to specify, by decision, two main matters:
- The occupations and work that are considered dangerous or harmful, or that are likely to expose a worker to unusual dangers or harm.
- The categories that are barred from employment in those occupations and work, whether the bar is permanent or temporary, or whose employment in them is on special conditions.
This also includes determining the extent of the need to specify working times for any of those categories. All of this must be consistent with the Kingdom's relevant obligations set out in international conventions.
The text of the article does not name these occupations, categories or conditions, but leaves them to the Minister's decision. Knowing whether a particular occupation is considered dangerous, or whether a particular category is barred from working in it, therefore requires referring to the ministerial decision issued on this subject.
This article comes after Article 131, which authorizes the Minister to issue the regulations and decisions needed to prevent major hazards in establishments, protect the public and the environment, and set workers' rights and duties in this regard. Article 131 bis was added by Royal Decree No. (M/5) dated 7/1/1442 AH.
An employer that employs workers in work that may be dangerous or harmful should verify the ministerial decision in force before employing any category in it, and may consult a lawyer who specializes in labor cases when needed.
Practical example
A factory in Dammam wishes to hire new workers in a section dealing with materials that may be harmful. Before hiring, the factory's management needs to refer to the Minister's decision issued under Article 131 bis, to find out whether this work is considered dangerous or harmful work, and whether the category the candidates belong to is barred from working in it permanently or temporarily, or may be employed on special conditions or at specified working times.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Active contributorFrequently asked questions about Article 131 bis of the Saudi Labor Law
Who determines dangerous and harmful occupations under the Saudi Labor Law?
The Minister determines them by his decision, under Article 131 bis.
Can the employment of certain categories in dangerous work be prohibited?
Yes. The Minister specifies the categories that are barred from employment in that work permanently or temporarily, or whose employment in it is on special conditions.
Can special working hours be set for some categories in dangerous work?
The Minister's power includes determining the extent of the need to specify working times for any of those categories, though the article itself does not state those times.
Amendment history
Royal Decree No. M/5 — 7/1/1442 AH
Official amendment text (Arabic)
- إضافة مادة وذلك بموجب المرسوم الملكي رقم (م / 5) وتاريخ 7 / 1 / 1442هـ، يكون ترتيبها ( الحادية والثلاثين بعد المائة مكرر ) بالنص الآتي: "يحدد الوزير – بقرار منه – المهن والأعمال التي تعد خطرة أو ضارة أو من شأنها أن تعرض العامل لأخطار أو أضرار غير عادية، والفئات التي يحظر -–دائماً أو مؤقتاً _ تشغيلها فيها أو يكون تشغيلها فيها بشروط خاصة، بما في ذلك مدى الحاجة إلى تحديد أوقات العمل لأي من تلك الفئات، وذلك بما يتوافق مع التزامات المملكة ذات الصلة الواردة في الاتفاقيات الدولية".
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The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.