Riyadh, 30-31 August 2023 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia organized a training workshop to help investors operationalize the code of conduct of the newly established Riyadh Integrated Special Logistics Zone through introducing IOM’s Fair and Ethical Recruitment Due Diligence toolkit for the first time in Riyadh.

The toolkit has been developed to support business enterprises in fulfilling their responsibility to respect human rights and address any potential adverse impact on the rights of foreign workers while also contributing to the government of Saudi Arabia’s efforts in combatting trafficking in persons. The toolkit comprises of nine main easy-to-use and public tools that businesses can use independently to carry out comprehensive due diligence with respect to labour recruitment across their supply chains, all while maintaining privacy and confidentiality. It is in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, and IOM's Migrant Worker Guidelines.

“The Introduction of the Fair and Ethical Recruitment Due Diligence toolkit in the Riyadh Integrated Special Logistics Zone serves as a valuable resource for businesses to align with the zone’s code of conduct and global best practices. By utilizing this toolkit, companies can ensure their operations adhere to the highest standards of fair and ethical recruitment. This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a responsible business environment and upholding the rights of foreign workers. Through the toolkit’s comprehensive guidelines and incorporation of global best practices, we aim to foster a culture of integrity and contribute to the sustainable development goals outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030 and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration.” Said GACA’s General Manager for Special Economic Zones, Ms Afnan Al-Haboudal.

The training was attended by representatives from GACA and the first business enterprises from logistics and retail industries that have set up in Saudi Arabia’s first fully integrated special economic zone. 

“This toolkit has been tried and endorsed by some companies with the most complicated supply chains in the world,” stated IOM’s Chief of Mission ad interim in Bahrain, Ms. Erika Broers. “This training is an opportunity to have an open dialogue around due diligence for responsible recruitment and how businesses, governments and international organizations can work together to uphold the rights of foreign workers.”

The training is in line with the requirements set by the Government of Saudi Arabia, and particularly Vision 2030 and the commitments made to “being responsible in business” and “being responsible to society”, the Objectives 6 “Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work” and 7 “Address and reduce vulnerabilities in migration” of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration and the Sustainable Development Goal 8 “Decent Work and Economic Growth,” Goal 10 “Reduced Inequalities,” and Goal 16 “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.”

For more information, please contact Nihal Akl in IOM Bahrain at nakl@iom.int.