Labor Ministry designates 12 job types as Saudi-only

RIYADH: Minister of Labor and Social Development Ali Al-Ghafees has issued a decree to limit work in 12 new activities to Saudi men and women starting next Hijri year (September 2018), the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The ministerial decree was issued in an effort to empower Saudi citizens and provide them with more job opportunities in the private sector.

Khaled Abalkhail, the ministry’s spokesman, said sales activities limited to Saudi employees will include the following categories: Watches, eyewear, medical equipment and devices, electrical and electronic appliances, auto parts, building materials, carpets, cars and motorcycles, home and office furniture, children’s clothing and men’s accessories, home kitchenware, and confectioneries.

He said it is necessary to abide by regulations for hiring women in activities and stores defined by the ministerial decree. “This condition does not conflict with other Saudization decrees, ” he said.

Abalkhail pointed out that a committee will be formed to develop a program for Saudizing jobs in the above industries and coordinating with relevant authorities, with committee members drawn from the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, ​​the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF), and the Social Development Bank.

Action will be taken against violators, he said.

Source: http://www.arabnews.com