What is it about?
This article examines how Saudi Arabia responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly focusing on the support provided to migrant workers through social protection policies. The study used data from various policy tracking sources to analyze the changes made to the social protection and labor market measures during the pandemic. It found that Saudi Arabia significantly expanded its social protection system, implementing 86 measures. These included wage subsidies, changes to labor regulations, and various social assistance measures like cash transfers, food vouchers, and support for utilities and other financial obligations. However, social insurance measures like paid sick leave and unemployment insurance were less common. Despite these efforts, the article highlights that non-citizens and migrant workers were largely overlooked in these expansions.
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Why is it important?
This study is unique and timely as it provides a detailed look at how Saudi Arabia’s social protection measures responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a special emphasis on migrant workers. It stands out because it addresses the gaps in support for this vulnerable group, which is often neglected in similar analyses. The research is also timely; it evaluates the effectiveness of these measures during a global crisis, offering insights that can inform future policies not only in Saudi Arabia but also in other countries with large migrant worker populations. This makes the study particularly relevant and valuable for policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in the intersection of labor rights and public health during emergencies.
Perspectives
Reflecting on this study from a crisis policy-making perspective, I find it particularly enlightening. The study underscores the critical importance of designing inclusive policies that do not merely react to crises superficially but address the underlying structural vulnerabilities within the labor market and social protection systems. As someone deeply interested in crisis policy-making, I appreciate how this research highlights the need for proactive and inclusive policy frameworks that can better withstand and mitigate the impacts of future crises. This study serves as a crucial reminder of the need for resilience in policy design that anticipates and addresses the needs of all segments of society, particularly the most vulnerable. Such insights are not only relevant for Saudi Arabia but also offer valuable lessons for other regions with similar demographic and economic characteristics.
Dr. Anis Ben Brik
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Inclusive or exclusive? Examining the dynamics of social protection in Saudi Arabia, Global Social Policy, January 2024, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/14680181231222392.
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