Saudi Arabia launches digital platform to ensure wage protection, human rights of expat workers
Saudi Arabia is set to implement a range of digitally driven initiatives to enhance working conditions and safeguard the rights of foreign workers, including those from India. Officials from the Human Resources and Social Development Ministry outlined the Kingdom’s new labor framework on Thursday, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals. The reforms aim to protect workers’ rights and curb illegal immigration.
At the core of these efforts is the Musaned platform, a digital tool designed to support expatriate workers, particularly in the domestic sector. The system will benefit workers from ten African countries, including Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia, as well as nine Asian nations such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Philippines.
Musaned provides foreign workers access to their employment contracts and updates through a dedicated app. Additionally, foreign embassies will receive "view access" to details regarding their nationals working in Saudi Arabia, including employer names and locations. This transparency aims to streamline the resolution of labor disputes.
A key aspect of Musaned is its ability to conduct background checks on employers, helping prevent labor rights violations. Additionally, the platform plays a crucial role in monitoring immigration by preventing the entry of unauthorized individuals.
The platform also integrates contract insurance and health benefits while ensuring compliance with a wage protection system. It tracks employers' financial transactions to ensure workers receive their salaries on time, reinforcing contractual obligations.
Saudi Arabia’s domestic labor market heavily relies on workers from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. With 1.4 million Indian workers, India ranks second, following Bangladesh, which has 2.7 million workers in the Kingdom. Pakistan follows closely with 2.1 million workers. Other contributing nations, such as Nepal, Indonesia, and the Philippines, are also expected to benefit from the platform’s reforms.
Officials noted that from 2021 to 2024, 12,649 labor lawsuits involving Indian domestic workers were filed in Saudi Arabia. The new platform aims to facilitate the efficient settlement of such cases.
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Kohli's U-19 teammate Amanpreet Singh Gill dies at 36
New Delhi (PTI): Former India U-19 and Punjab medium pacer Amanpreet Singh Gill died at the age of 36 in Chandigarh on Wednesday, leaving the cricket fraternity in mourning.
The cause of death is not yet known.
Gill, who was Virat Kohli's U-19 teammate, featured in six first-class matches for Punjab, picking up 11 wickets.
He was also part of the Punjab franchise (Kings XI Punjab) in the inaugural Indian Premier League season, and later served as a member of Punjab's senior selection committee.
"Punjab Cricket Association deeply mourns the sad demise of Amanpreet Singh Gill, former Punjab cricketer and Member, Senior Selection Committee Punjab,” the Punjab Cricket Association announced on X.
"Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time."
Two-time World Cup-winning India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also paid tribute to Gill.
"Deeply saddened to hear about Amanpreet Singh Gill’s passing. Shared the dressing room in our early days, he was a quiet, hardworking cricketer who loved the game. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace Om Shanti,” Singh posted on X.
Gill played five Youth ODIs and one Youth Test for India in 2007.
In the longer format, he claimed the wicket of former Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera.
However, he did not make the Virat Kohli-led India U-19 side that went on to win the 2008 World Cup.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Amanpreet Singh Shergill, who proudly represented Punjab and was a part of the Punjab Kings family. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire cricketing fraternity,” Punjab Kings posted on their official Instagram account.
