Saudi- Ministry: Houses of employers workers exempt from labor raids

(MENAFN- Arab News) RIYADH: Labor inspectors are not allowed to visit residential compounds of employers and employees and they are also prohibited from checking personal documents during raids. These guidelines are part of a circular issued by the ministry on Tuesday.
It says inspections shall be carried out by a team of labor inspectors not by individuals. The officials are not allowed to disturb routine work at offices.
Inspectors are only allowed to take copies of the original documents required for further inquiry and they shall be neatly dressed while visiting offices.
The circular allows inspectors to go to any office at any time during working hours to check labor violations. 'They have the right to check any documents related to employment and take photocopies of such documents to continue their investigation.'
They reserve the right to check any machinery equipment and products manufactured in factories to ensure their quality ascertain occupational hazards safety and targeted services.
The inspectors have the right to close or partially close violating facilities for a maximum of two months based on their preliminary investigation. They are authorized to issue warnings in writing for violation of labor regulations.
In June last year the Kingdom joined the International Association of Labor Inspection (IALI) during the organization's 14th ordinary meeting in Athens.
Abdullah Abu Thunyan undersecretary for inspections and developing work environment at the ministry said the Saudi membership highlights the ministry's keenness to raise the efficiency of inspections taking advantage of IALI's experience.