Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) - Saudi Arabia (Ratification: 1978)

The Committee notes the Government’s report and the information provided in reply to its previous comments, as well as the attached documents.

It notes with satisfaction the provision of the Schedule of occupational diseases established by Order No. 130 of 1421 (Hejira) of the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.

It also notes with interest the very substantial rise in the number of inspections and workers covered over the past six years, as indicated in the annual report for 1423. This increase can be explained by: the concentration of the inspection services on inspection activities; the extension of the working day of labour inspectors; the participation of certain directors of the inspection services in the inspection of workplaces outside working hours; and the special interest accorded to enterprises employing the most workers, as envisaged in the seven-year plan.

The Committee notes with interest the Government’s recommendation to recompense and accord distinctions to the inspection offices that are the most efficient and the measures taken to inspect enterprises which are the most likely to employ children, in accordance with Circulars Nos. 6552 of 18/4/1423, 12591/6 of 14/8/1423 and 158076 of 24/10/1423. The Committee notes that, even though inspections have revealed a low number of cases of child labour, the Government has nevertheless decided to continue to supervise in future the rare workplaces where violations are reported.

The Committee is addressing a request directly to the Government on other points.