Human Times

Middle East Edition

12th September 2025

THE HOT STORY

New Saudi labour law amendments proposed

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has proposed amendments to the Labour Law and its Executive Regulations. The changes introduce new categories of violations and penalties, particularly in the maritime and agricultural sectors. The updated table aims to clarify violations, reducing ambiguity for inspectors and establishments. Notably, penalties for non-compliance with maternity leave and recruitment rules have been tightened. The ministry said: "These updates contribute to addressing ongoing changes in the work environment." The amendments will be reviewed based on public feedback before implementation.

Saudi Gazette

Zawya EN

TALENT STRATEGY

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LEGAL

Ex-Dentons employee jailed for drugs

Riyad Awada, a former government liaison officer at UK law firm Dentons' UAE offices, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug smuggling. He was arrested on 6 August 2024 at Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport with cocaine and amphetamines. Initially denying knowledge of the drugs, Awada later admitted they were for personal use. The UK's Solicitors Regulation Authority said: "Mr Awada's serious misconduct meant it was undesirable for him to be involved in a legal practice in future without the SRA's prior approval." His appeals were dismissed, and he was fined 120,000 dirhams (around £24,000).

Legalcheek

HIRING

St. James's Place appoints Head of Talent Acquisition for Middle East

St. James's Place (SJP) has appointed Richard Garfield as Head of Talent Acquisition for the Middle East, signalling its growth ambitions in the region. With 18 years of experience in talent acquisition, Garfield previously worked at RAKBANK and has held roles at First Abu Dhabi Bank and Adecco Middle East. He will oversee SJP's hiring strategy and enhance the candidate experience, focusing on attracting high-calibre professionals. Garfield said: "I am delighted to be joining St. James's Place at an exciting time for the business in the region."

Zawya EN

STRATEGY

New Kuwait office planned by BlackRock

BlackRock is set to open a new office in Kuwait, appointing Ali AlQadhi to lead operations, as part of its strategy to expand in the Gulf region. The Kuwaiti Capital Markets Authority has granted an investment adviser licence to BlackRock Advisors (UK) Ltd, allowing the firm to establish a presence that will include customer service and financial advisory teams. With $12.5 trillion in assets under management, BlackRock has been actively increasing its footprint across the Gulf, having already established offices in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha.

Reuters

WORKFORCE

Oman urges employers to renew expat worker documents ahead of time

The Ministry of Labour in Muscat has urged companies and workers to obtain the Professional Classification Certificate and the Professional Practice License. They should start this process one to two months before the expiry of an expat worker's residence card or an Omani worker's employment contract. Early action helps avoid administrative delays and financial penalties, ensuring smooth contract renewals. The Ministry emphasised that this applies to various sectors, including logistics, energy, engineering, accounting, finance, and legal. "Committing to professional accreditation is a proactive step," the Ministry said.

TimesofOman

TECHNOLOGY

RemotePass launches HR AI tool

RemotePass has launched Ask AI, the world's first AI tool designed for HR and finance leaders. The platform allows users to interact with their private HR and payroll data in real-time, enabling quicker decision-making. As Middle Eastern economies digitise under UAE Vision 2031 and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, Ask AI aims to enhance efficiency and productivity. Kamal Reggad, Co-founder and CEO of RemotePass, said: "Ask AI brings that agility by turning complex, sensitive data into actionable insights instantly."

Gulfnews.com

TAX

Tax cuts era officially over, warns OECD

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has declared the end of the tax cuts era. Rising debts and increased spending on climate change, ageing populations, and defence have prompted the shift. The OECD's report on tax reforms highlights that jurisdictions across all income levels are now seeking to increase revenues. "High levels of debt, coupled with spending needs . . . has meant that jurisdictions . . . have adopted strategies to mobilise more revenues," the OECD said.

The Daily Telegraph

INTERNATIONAL

Many South Korean workers 'sent to the U.S. on questionable documents'

Many South Korean workers were sent to the US on questionable visas, precipitating their detention during the raid at Hyundai's Georgia plant, according to workers, officials and lawyers. Over 300 South Koreans were among 475 individuals arrested in what was the largest enforcement operation by the Department of Homeland Security. Workers were often sent on B-1 business traveler visas, which do not permit work. Park Tae-sung, vice chairman of the Korea Battery Industry Association, said: "It's extremely difficult to get an H-1B visa, which is needed for the battery engineers." The incident has raised concerns about US immigration policies and their impact on South Korean investments. South Korea's foreign minister is set to discuss visa reforms during his visit to Washington.

U.S. News

UK sick days hit 15-year high

Sick leave among British workers has reached its highest level in over 15 years, with employees taking an average of nearly two weeks off per year, up from just over one week pre-pandemic. The increase is linked to an ageing workforce and a rise in long-term health conditions, particularly mental health issues causing extended absences. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Simplyhealth are urging employers to foster supportive cultures, offer flexible working, and provide health services to help staff stay in work. The survey found that many employers are taking action, with 66% offering occupational sick pay and 69% providing occupational health schemes.

The Times

PwC's Tom Seymour deregistered over tax scandal

Tom Seymour, former chief of PwC Australia, has been deregistered by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) for failing to act on signs of unethical conduct within the firm. The TPB's report highlighted that Seymour allowed a culture of improper behaviour to flourish in the tax division. He denied awareness of any confidential information being shared and said: "I disagree with the TPB finding that I breached the Code of Conduct." The sanction is the most significant in the ongoing PwC tax leaks scandal, which has resulted in numerous departures.

Bloomberg Tax

Financial Review

Alibaba shows off new F1-style delivery uniform

Alibaba has unveiled a new outfit for its delivery workers, as the company looks to give China's e-commerce sector a facelift. The new orange uniform, a change from the previous light blue Ele.me outfits and reminiscent of the overalls worn by racing drivers, features 22 brands from the business. The kit includes upgraded helmets and food delivery boxes, while the overalls are insulated, waterproof, and wind-resistant.

South China Morning Post

OTHER

Unicef: more children are obese than underweight

For the first time, there are more children in the world who are obese than underweight, according to a major study by Unicef, which warns that ultra-processed food is overwhelming childhood diets. The United Nations agency said there are 188m teenagers and school-age children with obesity, affecting health and development, and bringing a risk of life-threatening diseases. While 9.2% of five to 19-year-olds worldwide are underweight, 9.4% are considered obese, the report found. In 2000, nearly 13% were underweight and just 3% were obese. Obesity now exceeds underweight in all regions of the world, except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The highest rates of obesity among children and young people are found in some of the Pacific Island states, including Niue (38%), the Cook Islands (37%), and Nauru (33%). But many high-income countries also face a serious obesity problem. Among 5-19 year olds, 27% are obese in Chile, 21% in the United States, and 21% in the UAE. UNICEF is urging governments to take binding measures, including advertising restrictions, taxes on sugary drinks and unhealthy foods, and policies that encourage production of fresh produce.

BBC News

France 24

The Guardian

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