The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has released a new regulatory guide introducing mandatory occupational fitness assessments and non-communicable disease screenings for all employees in Saudi Arabia. The new requirements will be implemented in three phases, eventually covering all economic sectors and employment types in the country.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The introduction of comprehensive occupational fitness and health screening requirements is expected to have significant implications for employers, employees, and global mobility programs operating in Saudi Arabia. For globally mobile employees including expatriates, temporary workers, and remote staff, these new requirements may affect eligibility for employment, onboarding timelines, and ongoing work authorization.
From an employee perspective, the regulations are designed to protect workers’ health and safety. However, failure to meet occupational fitness standards may affect job continuity, as employees found unfit may be reassigned or required to undergo further medical evaluation.
Key Highlights
Three-Phase Implementation
The key practical change is that employers may now need to operationalize mandatory screening across onboarding and ongoing workforce management, using a phased compliance model.
- Phase 1: Mandatory pre-employment health screening for new hires. Employers are expected to conduct screenings, upload results, and obtain physician approval before employment begins. This phase is to be completed within six months of the regulation’s effective date.
- Phase 2: Screening expands to existing employees, prioritizing high-risk companies and establishments, and continues for 12 months after Phase 1.
- Phase 3: Full implementation for all employees, sectors, and contract types, including public-sector organizations, private companies, non-profit organizations, and all forms of employment.
Scope and Applicability
- Applies to all employees (permanent, temporary, seasonal, trainees, persons with disabilities, remote workers) across all sectors and contract types.
- Public-sector and non-profit organizations are required to comply with the initiative.
Examination Triggers
Occupational fitness and health screenings may be required in the following circumstances:
- prior to the start of employment;
- following an occupational injury or disease;
- when an employee changes profession or work environment; and
- as part of periodic assessments based on the employee’s profession.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the changes, organizations might consider the following:
- Review and update onboarding and HR processes to incorporate mandatory health screenings.
- Maintain systems in place for secure data management and timely reporting to the approved electronic platform.
- Communicate new requirements and potential implications clearly to both local and expatriate employees.
- Monitor for further guidance from the MHRSD regarding timelines and compliance procedures.
- Evaluate possible cost and operational implications, including data management and medical privacy considerations, when screening results are required to be uploaded to an approved electronic system and validated by occupational health professionals.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified tax or social security professional or a member of the GMS/People Services team with KPMG in the Lower Gulf (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Saudi Expatriates, “Saudi Arabia to introduce occupational fitness and health screening tests for all employees,” published on 21 June 2026.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the United Arab Emirates.
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