Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) - Saudi Arabia (Ratification: 2014)

Article 2(3) of the Convention. Age of completion of compulsory schooling. The Committee takes note of the information shared by the Government regarding the application in practice of Ministerial Decision No. 14 of 2014 which establishes the age of completion of compulsory schooling at 15 years, in line with the minimum age for admission to employment. It notes with interest that all gross enrolment rates, for both boys and girls and for both primary and lower secondary education, exceed 100 per cent.

Article 7(3). Determination of light work. The Committee takes note of the Government’s reply regarding its requests for information on any provisions determining light work activities and the conditions in which children aged 13 to 15 may undertake such light work. In this regard, the Committee notes that the Guiding Manual on a methodology for the assessment of occupational safety and health risks, adopted by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and promulgated by Decision No. 216486 of 7 July 2022, includes a methodology for the evaluation of light work in which children are authorized to engage. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of the Manual on a methodology for the assessment of occupational safety and health risks, in particular as regards how this Manual prevents children aged 13 to 15 from engaging in any work that does not constitute light work. It also requests the Government to provide a copy of the Manual.

Article 9(1). Law enforcement and penalties. Following its previous comments, the Committee takes note of Ministerial Resolution No. 92768 of 9 December 2021, which revises and increases the penalties established under the Labour Law, including those under section 167 prohibiting the employment of children under the age of 15. The Committee notes the Government’s continued information regarding the number of violations detected relating to the employment of children and young persons between August 2020 and April 2023 (42 violations under section 167 of the Labour Law), and the penalties incurred (10,000 to 20,000 Saudi riyals, in accordance with the new Resolution).