Hiring Glossary

General Organization For Social Insurance

The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) is a government agency responsible for managing social insurance programs and benefits for employees in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia. GOSI plays a crucial role in providing financial protection and social welfare support to workers and their families.

See how easy Global Hiring can be when everything works together.

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

March 14, 2025

In This Guide

Leave The hiring to a local expert

Hire globally with ease—our experts handle employment and compliance for you.

Enquire Now

what General Organization For Social Insurance

As a business owner or human resources manager, you may come across the term "General Organization for Social Insurance" (GOSI), which is a Saudi Arabian government agency responsible for implementing social insurance laws and managing social insurance programs for employees in the country. GOSI oversees the collection of contributions from employers and the disbursement of benefits to eligible employees and their families. Understanding GOSI is important because compliance with its regulations ensures that employees receive necessary social protections, such as retirement pensions, disability benefits, and compensation for work-related injuries.

For example, if your company employs workers in Saudi Arabia, you are required to register with GOSI and contribute a percentage of each employee's salary to the social insurance system. These contributions fund various benefits, including end-of-service gratuities and medical care for occupational hazards. Properly managing GOSI contributions and adhering to its guidelines not only fulfills legal obligations but also supports employee welfare and job satisfaction.

Determining GOSI Functions

GOSI administers various social insurance schemes, including pension, disability, healthcare, and unemployment benefits, aimed at safeguarding the financial well-being and social security of covered individuals. It collects contributions from employers and employees and distributes benefits according to established eligibility criteria.

The Importance of GOSI

GOSI plays a pivotal role in promoting social welfare, economic stability, and workforce productivity by ensuring access to essential insurance coverage and support services for employees and their dependents. By providing financial protection against life's uncertainties, GOSI contributes to poverty alleviation and social cohesion within communities.

Benefits of GOSI

  1. Social Protection: GOSI offers comprehensive insurance coverage, including pensions, healthcare, and disability benefits, providing financial security and peace of mind to covered individuals and their families.
  2. Economic Stability: GOSI's social insurance programs contribute to economic stability by reducing poverty, supporting consumption levels, and mitigating the adverse effects of income shocks and unemployment.
  3. Workforce Productivity: By ensuring access to healthcare services, disability support, and retirement benefits, GOSI enhances workforce productivity by promoting employee well-being, job satisfaction, and labor market participation.

Drawbacks of GOSI Regulations

While GOSI aims to provide essential social insurance coverage and support, it may face challenges such as administrative inefficiencies, funding gaps, and coverage limitations. Delays in benefit payments, eligibility disputes, and inadequate service delivery can undermine the effectiveness of GOSI programs and erode public trust in the system.

Global Examples of GOSI

Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman have established GOSI or similar agencies to manage social insurance programs for their citizens and residents. These programs vary in scope, coverage, and eligibility criteria but share a common goal of promoting social welfare and economic development.

GOSI in a Nutshell

The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) is a government agency tasked with managing social insurance programs and benefits to ensure financial security and social welfare for employees and their families. By providing comprehensive insurance coverage and support services, GOSI contributes to social protection, economic stability, and workforce productivity within communities.

GOSI FAQs

Who is Covered by GOSI Programs?

GOSI programs typically cover employed individuals, including citizens, residents, and certain categories of workers, depending on the country's regulations and eligibility criteria.

How are GOSI Contributions Calculated?

GOSI contributions are usually calculated based on a percentage of the employee's salary or earnings, with both employers and employees sharing the responsibility for making contributions.

What Types of Benefits Does GOSI Provide?

GOSI provides various benefits, including pensions, healthcare coverage, disability benefits, and unemployment benefits, depending on the specific programs and eligibility criteria established by each country's social insurance system.

Author profile picture

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

Back to Top

Copied to Clipboard

Reimagine How Your Team
Works With Playroll.com

Book a Demo
Speak to an Expert Default Icon Hover Icon
Collage of remote employeesCollage of remote employees