Saudi nationals will be able to work on a part-time basis in other companies for upto 4 hours under new regulations proposed by the kingdom's labour ministry to help firms meet the government's Nitaqat programme, said a report

The move comes in line with the ministry's plan to regulate part-time employment in the kingdom, which is limited to Saudis.

The Labor Ministry intends to allow full-time Saudi employees to work on a part-time basis for other companies provided that the job duration does not exceed four hours a day, or 24 hours a week, reported the Arab News.

Prospective part-time employees will have to seek their employers’ approval if the work is of a similar nature to their full-time job.

Part-timers will be included in the company’s nationalization quota upon condition that the employee is registered with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) with a minimum salary of SR1,500, the report added.

Under the new regulations, Saudization rates will not apply to employees who work for more than two entities since the nationals can work on a part-time basis for more than two companies according to the draft regulation.

As per the proposed rules, part-time work should be undertaken according to a written contract that defines contract duration, working hours, pay, perks and conditions. Both employer and employee can renew the contract at their discretion, the report stated.

The ministry’s rules and regulations are also specific on women’s working hours.

If work exceeds four hours a day, overtime dues will be calculated according to the labor system. Dues for less than four hours of work per day will be calculated based on the going hourly rate, said the report.

The draft law stipulates that part-time workers be allowed holidays, weekend breaks and paid official holidays. Part-time workers are also to enjoy health insurance benefits and sick leave, it added.

Under the proposed rules, part-time workers’ contracts can be converted into full-time contracts. In addition, part-time work will form a percentage of the full-time employment term.