Saudi Arabia is set to introduce mandatory occupational fitness assessments and non-communicable disease (NCD) screenings for employees across all sectors under a new framework announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
According to a recently issued guide reviewed by Okaz newspaper, the initiative will be implemented through a phased approach aimed at strengthening workplace safety, improving employee health standards, and ensuring compliance with occupational fitness requirements, a Saudi Gazette report said.
The ministry said the programme will initially target employees in public-sector entities and non-profit organisations before being gradually expanded to include all professions and economic sectors throughout the kingdom.
The rollout will take place in three stages, beginning with pre-employment screening, followed by implementation in high-risk companies and establishments, and ultimately extending to all businesses and organisations nationwide.
Pre-employment screening to be mandatory
Under the first phase, all prospective employees will be required to undergo non-communicable disease screenings before starting work.
Employers will be responsible for conducting the screenings and uploading the results to the approved electronic system within the first six months after the regulations come into force.
The ministry said candidates completing recruitment and onboarding procedures will not be permitted to begin work until their examination results have been issued and approved by a physician specializing in occupational medicine.
Expansion to existing employees
The second phase will begin once the initial stage is completed and will continue for a period of 12 months.
During this stage, health screenings will be gradually expanded to cover existing employees, with priority given to workers in high-risk establishments. Authorities will also work to complete the integration of all establishments into the approved electronic system to ensure efficient monitoring and compliance.
Officials said the phased approach is designed to allow organizations sufficient time to adapt to the new requirements while ensuring a smooth nationwide implementation.
Employees must meet occupational fitness standards
The third and final phase will see the full implementation of the regulations across all entities, establishments, and employees operating in different economic sectors and activities.
The guide states that public-sector entities and non-profit organisations must comply with all provisions regardless of employment type. The regulations will apply to permanent employees, temporary and seasonal workers, trainees, persons with disabilities, and remote workers.
Under the new framework, employees who fail to meet the required occupational fitness standards will not be allowed to continue practicing their profession. In such cases, employers will be required to take appropriate measures, including changing the employee’s profession where necessary.
However, the guide also allows employees to undergo additional examinations to demonstrate their ability to perform the duties associated with their role.
Medical assessments may also be required during employment in cases involving occupational injuries or diseases, changes in profession or work environment, or where periodic evaluations are necessary due to the nature of the work.
The ministry said the guide aims to standardize implementation procedures, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and strengthen worker health and occupational safety protections across the kingdom.
By establishing a unified system for occupational fitness assessments and NCD screenings, authorities hope to create safer workplaces while ensuring employees are medically fit to perform their duties.
https://gulfbusiness.com/en/2026/saudi-arabia/no-clearance-no-job-saudi-rolls-out-mandatory-employee-health-screening-plan/