Saudi Arabia outlines national policy banning child labour
Ministry defines child labour as employing anyone under 15
Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has set the main features for the national policy banning child labour in the Kingdom.
The policy was approved by the Council of Ministers presided over by King Salman bin Abdul Aziz during last week’s session.
The ministry outlined the provisions of the national policy on its official website, clarifying that child labour means employing children under the age of 15 years.
The ministry said the minimum age for employing children was 15.
However, children aged between 13 and 15 years are allowed to work in specific jobs for a specific number of hours, provided this does not violate the child’s right to receive education and play.
The policy is in line with the criteria and standards of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and as mentioned in agreements 138 and 182, that were ratified by the Kingdom.
The ministry added that the main features for strategic interventions to prevent child labour are aimed at raising the level of awareness, boosting opportunities for children to get a good education and broadening the base for education.
The move is also aimed at improving and enforcing the law, activating the prosecution, improving social work and the mechanisms for social protection, and enhancing suitable work for adults and the youth, who have reached legal age, making them eligible for work.