Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Sports and the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) announced on Thursday the official rollout of social insurance coverage for Saudi players and coaches, effective Tuesday, July 1.

The initiative extends pension and unemployment protection under Saudi Arabia’s Social Insurance Law to Saudi nationals who are full-time athletes and coaches, whether working with clubs inside or outside the Kingdom.

The regulation applies to all athletes and coaches employed by sports clubs and federations.

The policy covers both the pension and unemployment insurance branches of the system and includes provisions for retroactive application of pension coverage, subject to approval by the relevant GOSI authority and financial penalties for delayed registration.

The move is aimed at enhancing long-term social security for Saudi sports professionals, including retirement benefits and support in cases of job loss.

The Ministry of Sports and GOSI have held several workshops to educate clubs and federations on registration procedures and the system's benefits.