RIYADH — All private companies in Saudi Arabia have been instructed to put in place a dress code regulation for male as well as female employees. In a directive to private sector employers, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi called on them to ensure the compliance of the dress code by employees at their workplaces. The minister referred to an amendment made in the first paragraph of Article 38 of the Labor Law related to work ethics regulations in this regard. As per the amendment, all private companies and establishments must have a dress code, including written instructions to ensure that employees adhere to it that secures a decent professional appearance and is commensurate with their duties at the workplace. The amendment also stipulates penalties for the violation of the dress code. The establishments must display these requirements separately in a visible place in their premises or any other means that enable employees to know about them. The penalties prescribed in the Labor Law and its executive regulations as well as in the ministerial decisions from time to time will apply to the establishments that violate the directive. It is noteworthy that the ministry seeks, through these decisions, to improve the Saudi labor market, develop its environment, standardize technical regulations and specifications, and spread awareness about the rights and duties of employers and workers. The ministry also reviews and updates the schedule of violations and penalties whenever the need arises according to the requirements of the labor market.
