Dubai: The Riyadh Department of Labour Relations at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development settled claims worth 31 million riyals for the heirs of deceased expatriate workers, local media reported.
The department managed to secure the funds over the last 15 months in coordination with the embassies of their respective countries and their heirs.
The settlement of dues marks one of major achievements by the department in line with its efforts to protect the rights of expat workers. The department is also involved in implementing the new Labour Law announced by the ministry recently as part of the Kingdom’s labour reforms.
New reforms include allowing transfer of the services of expatriate workers who want to switch jobs without the consent of their employers who fail to attend court sessions set for the amicable settlement of disputes.
As part of the new reforms, the ministry grants work permit for the purpose of issuing final exit if residency visa (Iqama) is expired. The ministry also receives complaints about absconding workers and handles such issues.