Regulating Working Hours in Sa...

When discussing labor issues and workers' rights, it's essential to consider the legislation governing this field and defining the legal framework that delineates workers' rights and obligations. Among these laws is Article 99 of the Saudi Labor Law, which addresses the issue of working hours, one of the most prominent concerns for both workers and employers alike.

Article 99 allows for the possibility of increasing or decreasing the specified working hours outlined in Article 98 of the law to nine hours per day for certain categories of workers or in certain industries and occupations where the worker does not work continuously. Simultaneously, working hours can be reduced to seven hours per day for certain categories of workers or in hazardous or harmful industries or occupations. The categories of workers, industries, and occupations referred to in this article are determined by a decision from the minister.

This rule highlights the importance of providing a safe and comfortable work environment for workers. It allows for the extension of working hours in some cases where continuous work is not required, while it permits reductions in cases involving serious risks to the worker's health or the environment. This approach reflects the balance that the law seeks to achieve between the interests of employers and workers.

It's worth noting that this rule is not final and rigid; instead, it leaves room for the minister to specify the categories of workers, industries, and occupations to which this increase or decrease applies, allowing for flexibility in law enforcement and responsiveness to market needs and local conditions.

In conclusion, Article 99 of the Saudi Labor Law serves as a good example of how to regulate working hours in a way that achieves balance between the interests of employers and workers while considering the unique circumstances of each industry or type of work.