RIYADH: A new insurance scheme to protect the rights of expatriate workers has come into force in Saudi Arabia. A new project called 'Insurance Product' was launched on October 6 by the Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development and the Insurance Authority.

Under the new insurance scheme, the worker gets paid correctly even if the employing organization does not pay the salary for a specified period or delays it. If private firms default salary arrears, that too will be recovered through this scheme. The scheme benefits will be implemented as per the terms and conditions.

In rare incidents of the company going bankrupt or the employer runs into financial trouble, workers will be protected by the new plan. In such cases claims should be made with the help of authorized insurance companies. Through this the workers will be eligible to benefit from the insurance service.

The scheme will also include travel tickets for workers who wish to return home in such circumstances. Ensure timely payment of expatriate workers. Provide financial security. The project is a part of easing the financial responsibility of the workers. An employee can get insurance up to 17,500 Riyals (Rs 3, 91, 296).