JAKARTA – Saudi Arabia has implemented sweeping new workplace health requirements through the Regulation for Occupational Fitness Examinations and Non-Communicable Disease Screening, which became effective September 8, 2025. The legislation requires employers to conduct comprehensive physical and psychological evaluations for both new and existing employees as part of efforts to strengthen occupational health standards and minimize workplace risks.

Comprehensive Examination Requirements

Under the new framework, employers must arrange fitness assessments at multiple stages of employment:

Pre-Employment Screening: All prospective employees must undergo medical evaluations before beginning work, ensuring they are physically and psychologically suited for their roles.

During Employment: Current workers must receive examinations in specific situations, including:

• Following workplace injuries or extended medical leave
• When job conditions change or new equipment is introduced to the workplace
• At regular intervals for those in high-risk occupations, with examination frequency determined by the specific job requirements

Post-Employment: Workers who may have been exposed to dangerous substances during their tenure must complete exit examinations.

Beyond Basic Physical Assessments

The mandated examinations extend beyond standard medical checkups to include mental health evaluations, chronic disease screenings, and potentially specialized tests tailored to specific occupational hazards. This comprehensive approach reflects a holistic view of workplace health and safety.

Employee Support Provisions

The regulation includes important protections for workers whose fitness for their current position has declined. Employers are required to support continued employment through accommodations such as reassignment to suitable alternative positions, facilitating rehabilitation programs, or adjusting work schedules and conditions.

Impact on Employers

Organizations operating in Saudi Arabia should evaluate their current health and safety protocols to ensure alignment with these new standards. For international workers—who comprise the majority of private sector employees—the regulation builds upon existing pre-employment medical examination requirements tied to work visa processing. While periodic health checks have been standard practice for certain high-risk positions, government statistics indicate that approximately one-third of private sector workers received regular medical examinations in 2024.

The expanded requirements represent Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to creating safer, healthier workplaces while supporting employee wellbeing across all sectors of the economy.

Original Article:

WTW. (2025, December 23). Saudi Arabia: New regulation on mandatory fitness examinations. Retrieved from https://www.wtwco.com/en-cz/insights/2025/12/saudi-arabia-new-regulation-on-mandatory-fitness-examinations