Labor ministry launches new regulations for Saudi women

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Labor has launched new regulations for women in the workforce, to encourage the presence of women in various fields and to facilitate private sector employment for women.

The regulations include several measures to ensure that women won't face any restrictive practices, in accordance with the country's labor law. They also ensure equal pay and opportunities, as well as designated areas for prayer and rest, the ministry said on its website.

The ministry also prohibited women from working in hazardous industrial jobs, and limited their work hours up to 11 pm. Work hours are set without a limit for medical professions, and during high seasons such as Ramadan.