Benefits for Pakistani Workers in Saudi Arabia at End of Employment Revealed

Islamabad: Important details have emerged regarding end-of-service benefits available to Pakistani employees working in Saudi Arabia.

According to the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BEOE), Pakistani workers completing their employment in Saudi Arabia are entitled to different financial benefits based on the length of their service.

Under the reported provisions, workers employed for up to five years are entitled to benefits equivalent to half a month’s salary for each completed year. After five years, an employee is entitled to benefits equivalent to one month’s salary for each completed year.

According to the report, employees who have completed two to five years of service are entitled to benefits equivalent to one-third of a month’s salary for each year, while those completing five to 10 years are entitled to benefits equivalent to two-thirds of a month’s salary for each year.

The Bureau of Emigration clarified that if an employee is dismissed because of an unlawful action or violation of the law by the employer or sponsor, the worker remains entitled to the full benefits due under the applicable laws.

Legal Protection for Foreign Workers

According to the BEOE, the rights of foreign employees and employment regulations in Saudi Arabia are clearly defined. In certain circumstances, including delayed payment of wages or being assigned work contrary to the employment contract, employees may receive legal protection and can terminate their employment subject to specific conditions.

An employment contract may also end upon completion of its agreed term. Employment can likewise be terminated if a business permanently ceases operations.

At the same time, disciplinary grounds such as fraud, physical assault, disclosure of an employer’s or company’s confidential information, or persistent refusal to perform assigned duties may also lead to termination of employment.

The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment has urged Pakistani workers to fully understand the terms of their employment contracts and their legal rights before taking up jobs in Saudi Arabia to avoid potential problems during or at the end of their employment.