Saudi Arabia Fights Against Human Trafficking
Deputy Minister of Human Resources: "The Kingdom Combats Human Trafficking Crimes"
On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Abuthnain, Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor, participated in a panel discussion on "Enhancing Cooperation in Combating Human Trafficking Crimes." Organized by the Human Rights Commission with local and international speakers and specialists, the discussion was part of ongoing efforts to explore the best ways to combat and prevent these crimes.
On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Abuthnain, Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor, participated in a panel discussion on "Enhancing Cooperation in Combating Human Trafficking Crimes." Organized by the Human Rights Commission with local and international speakers and specialists, the discussion was part of ongoing efforts to explore the best ways to combat and prevent these crimes.
During the session, Dr. Abuthnain highlighted the Kingdom's particular focus on combating human trafficking crimes, respecting human rights, and preserving the dignity of every individual residing in the nation. He outlined the Human Resources and Social Development Ministry's efforts in the labor market to counter human trafficking, emphasizing the Ministry's role in implementing and activating the national plan against these crimes, which is based on four main pillars: prevention, protection and assistance, judicial prosecution, and national, regional, and international cooperation. Additionally, he mentioned the enactment of legislations and policies related to contractual rights of workers in the Saudi labor market and their protection from irregular practices, including human trafficking, forced labor, and other negative practices and labor crimes.
Abuthnain noted that the Ministry launched several initiatives aimed at reducing human trafficking crimes, including an initiative to improve the contractual relationship to activate contractual referencing in labor relations, a contract documentation program that has exceeded more than 7 million contracts since its launch, and a wage program that requires establishments to pay workers' wages. He pointed out the high compliance rates with these programs and the "Wadi" program for settling labor disputes, which has achieved a 77% reconciliation rate in labor disputes.
The Deputy Minister affirmed that the Ministry, in cooperation with the Human Rights Commission and relevant entities, is committed to enhancing the efficiency of the Saudi labor market, increasing its attractiveness, preserving contractual rights, and protecting those most vulnerable to human trafficking practices.
Furthermore, Mr. Sattam Al-Harbi, Deputy Minister for Inspection and Work Environment Development, reviewed the Ministry's supervisory efforts in protecting workers in the labor market from crimes and suspicions of human trafficking. He mentioned that all cases received by the Ministry are dealt with confidentially and referred to the relevant authorities, urging everyone to report any suspicious cases of human trafficking through these channels for necessary action by the Ministry.
Abuthnain noted that the Ministry launched several initiatives aimed at reducing human trafficking crimes, including an initiative to improve the contractual relationship to activate contractual referencing in labor relations, a contract documentation program that has exceeded more than 7 million contracts since its launch, and a wage program that requires establishments to pay workers' wages. He pointed out the high compliance rates with these programs and the "Wadi" program for settling labor disputes, which has achieved a 77% reconciliation rate in labor disputes.
The Deputy Minister affirmed that the Ministry, in cooperation with the Human Rights Commission and relevant entities, is committed to enhancing the efficiency of the Saudi labor market, increasing its attractiveness, preserving contractual rights, and protecting those most vulnerable to human trafficking practices.
Furthermore, Mr. Sattam Al-Harbi, Deputy Minister for Inspection and Work Environment Development, reviewed the Ministry's supervisory efforts in protecting workers in the labor market from crimes and suspicions of human trafficking. He mentioned that all cases received by the Ministry are dealt with confidentially and referred to the relevant authorities, urging everyone to report any suspicious cases of human trafficking through these channels for necessary action by the Ministry.
Translation:
Translated by AI
