Education Ministry adds 'Golden Handshake' option for teachers in Faris system

Saudi Arabia's Education Ministry has introduced a new "Golden Handshake" incentive for teachers through the Faris platform. This option allows teachers to list resignation as their reason for departing through their Faris accounts. The Golden Handshake program aims to improve operational efficiency, optimize spending, and rejuvenate the workforce by offering financial incentives to those who voluntarily choose to leave their positions.

To be eligible, teachers must receive departmental approval and meet criteria related to transfer, secondment, or years of service. Once they log into the Faris system, they can select the program under self-services, then resignation, and finally, request resignation. Under the "Reason Type" selection, Golden Handshake is now available as a resignation option.

The program is designed to enhance administrative efficiency in government entities, control expenditures, and renew human resources. It stipulates that employees must first explore options like transfer, secondment, or skill development before applying for the Golden Handshake. Age groups, years of service, and departmental approval are considered, with priority given to those with lower qualifications.

Upon resignation via the program, the position is canceled (except for supervisory roles), and beneficiaries are barred from rehiring.

With a spending cap of 12.754 billion riyals (SAR) for its first three years, the first 1446/1447 Hijri year (2025) saw approximately 5.06 billion riyals allocated. Government entities under the civil service pay scales are included in this program, with a budget line created within the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Similar programs for public entities with their own staff regulations are also planned.