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

Riyadh - The Qiwa platform has announced that shared housing is mandatory for establishments employing more than 20 workers in 527 professions, as per the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations. These professions are divided into four categories, including 53 skilled agricultural, forestry, and fish farming roles; 179 craftsmanship and related trades; 218 factory and machine operation and assembly jobs; and 77 elementary occupation positions.

The targeted professions fall under occupational classifications six, seven, eight, and nine. All workers in these roles are counted at the establishment level, and establishments employing more than 20 staff in the targeted professions must provide licensed shared housing for them. Paying housing allowances as part of salaries for targeted profession employees does not absolve employers of the obligation to supply licensed accommodation.

While establishments can offer housing or a housing allowance to non-targeted profession employees, they are not subject to shared accommodation requirements. Qiwa stresses that covered establishments must adhere to technical and health standards for shared accommodation to ensure a safe and healthy living environment for workers.