No, child labor under 14 is illegal in Saudi Arabia under the Labor Law and Child Protection System. Exceptions exist only for light work in family businesses with strict Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) approvals. Violations trigger penalties under the Protection from Abuse Law and Anti-Human Trafficking Law.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Saudi Arabia
- Absolute Ban on Hazardous Work: The Labor Law (2023) prohibits minors under 14 from engaging in hazardous occupations (e.g., mining, construction, or night shifts) as defined by MHRSD’s List of Hazardous Work for Minors.
- Light Work Permits: Only permissible for children aged 13–14 in non-industrial, non-hazardous roles within family enterprises, subject to MHRSD’s Child Labor Permit System (effective 2024). Permits require parental consent, medical clearance, and a maximum 4-hour daily limit.
- Enforcement by NCPL: The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCPL) and the Child Protection Authority (Hemaya) monitor compliance, with 2026 mandates for digital reporting of all child labor cases via the Tawakkalna platform. Penalties include fines up to SAR 100,000 and license revocations for employers.