Saudi's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced plans to put government employees through mandatory occupational fitness testing
Provisional regulations are expected to apply to all employees and workers in public entities, private sector establishments, and non-profit organisations. New candidates will have to undergo tests prior to appointment. All tests will be conducted by specialists under the supervision of an occupational medicine specialist.
A survey platform has been published to invite the public and stakeholders to share their thoughts on the proposal, which spans three types of tests (general medical testing, additional specialised testing, and psychological testing) and aims to promote occupational health among government workers.
Tests will deliver tiered results, including: medically fit and permitted to practice the profession or job for which the candidate is applying; medically fit, with the restrictions or considerations required when practicing the profession for which the candidate is applying, including the duration; and medically unfit, with the restrictions or considerations required when practicing the profession for which the candidate is applying, including the duration.
Should occupational fitness requirements not be met, workers or candidates will not be allowed to continue practising their profession. Management will support them in changing their profession.
