Qiwa: Shared housing mandatory for establishments with 20+ workers in 527 professions

RIYADH — The Qiwa platform revealed that the requirements for shared housing for workers cover four occupational categories comprising 527 professions, in accordance with the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations.

These include 53 professions for skilled workers in agriculture, forestry, and fish farming; 179 professions for craftsmen and related trades; 218 professions for factory and machine operators and assembly workers; and 77 professions for workers in elementary occupations.

The platform clarified that the targeted professions fall under occupational classifications six, seven, eight, and nine. It noted that all workers in these professions are counted at the establishment level, and that establishments employing more than 20 workers in the targeted professions are required to provide licensed shared housing for them.

It emphasized that paying a housing allowance as part of the salaries of employees in the targeted professions does not exempt employers from the obligation to provide licensed housing. Establishments may either provide housing or pay a housing allowance to employees in non-targeted professions.

Conversely, workers in non-targeted professions are not subject to shared accommodation requirements, and employers may either provide them with accommodation or a housing allowance. The platform stressed the need for covered establishments to comply with the technical and health requirements governing shared accommodation, thereby ensuring a safe and healthy living environment for workers.