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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Bihar govt to engage scientists to curb arsenic concentration in leafy, root vegetables
Patna (PTI): The Bihar government has decided to involve scientists and officials of various departments to tackle rising arsenic levels in leafy and root vegetables in some districts, officials said on Sunday.
The state government is also planning to launch an awareness campaign for farmers in affected areas to inform them about measures being taken by the government, Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav told PTI.
“There is no doubt that arsenic-contaminated groundwater has led to higher concentrations in leafy vegetables, root vegetables including potatoes, and other agricultural produce in certain parts of the state. It is a matter of serious concern,” Yadav said.
He said that scientists and officials from the Public Health and Engineering (PHED), Health, and Minor Water Resources departments will be engaged to curb arsenic concentration in vegetables.
According to Bihar Agriculture Department officials, arsenic concentration has been recorded at 0.1 mg per kg in leafy vegetables, 0.3 mg per kg in root vegetables including potatoes, and 1.0 mg per kg in paddy crops.
Bihar PHED Minister Sanjay Kumar Singh had recently told the state assembly that arsenic was detected in groundwater in 14 districts, fluoride in 11 districts, and iron in 12 districts.
He said in some areas, nitrate levels also exceeded prescribed standards, prompting the marking of hand pumps with red paint to warn residents against using the water for drinking purposes.
Singh told PTI that the state government is providing safe drinking water under the ‘Har Ghar Nal ka Jal’ scheme, and planning alternative measures to supply safe water to farmers for agriculture.
Regular water quality tests are being conducted, and toll-free and WhatsApp numbers have been issued to address complaints related to drinking water supply.
“The permissible limit of arsenic is 0.01 mg per litre and fluoride 1.0 mg per litre. Exceeding these limits can cause health issues like bone fluorosis and tooth decay. Arsenic purification equipment has been installed in 4,709 wards to ensure safe water,” Singh added.
