13 September 2014
The third stage of the Kingdom's feminization program starts on Oct. 25 to include all stores with fewer than five workers and covering women's perfumes, maternity wear, abayas, shoes, bags, clothes and fabrics.
This is part of the Ministry of Labor's plan to ensure more Saudi women are employed and reduce the need to hire male expatriate workers, according to reports published in local media recently.
The ministry would implement the third phase in open and covered commercial centers and nearby stores, including those kiosks made from aluminum and wood. Saudi women would not require special permits to operate.
The ministry has stipulated that women employees must have seating, and prayer and rest areas not more than 50 meters from the store. Their working hours would be from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Each complex has to have a register with the name of the supervisor.
The ministry has indicated that it would punish violators in the Red Zone of the Nitaqat program by denying them services, or fining them between SR3,000 and SR10,000 for every expatriate hired. Owners of these establishments would also not be allowed to recruit foreign labor and renew visas.
The ministry has warned that it would take action against Saudi female workers involved in fake employment, by having their support from the Human Resources Development Fund withdrawn for a period of up to three years for the first violation and five years for the second.
According to recent reports, a business would be warned with a written statement, then financial penalties, followed by the ministry withdrawing services, and finally closing down the business.
The third stage of the Kingdom's feminization program starts on Oct. 25 to include all stores with fewer than five workers and covering women's perfumes, maternity wear, abayas, shoes, bags, clothes and fabrics.
This is part of the Ministry of Labor's plan to ensure more Saudi women are employed and reduce the need to hire male expatriate workers, according to reports published in local media recently.
The ministry would implement the third phase in open and covered commercial centers and nearby stores, including those kiosks made from aluminum and wood. Saudi women would not require special permits to operate.
The ministry has stipulated that women employees must have seating, and prayer and rest areas not more than 50 meters from the store. Their working hours would be from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Each complex has to have a register with the name of the supervisor.
The ministry has indicated that it would punish violators in the Red Zone of the Nitaqat program by denying them services, or fining them between SR3,000 and SR10,000 for every expatriate hired. Owners of these establishments would also not be allowed to recruit foreign labor and renew visas.
The ministry has warned that it would take action against Saudi female workers involved in fake employment, by having their support from the Human Resources Development Fund withdrawn for a period of up to three years for the first violation and five years for the second.
According to recent reports, a business would be warned with a written statement, then financial penalties, followed by the ministry withdrawing services, and finally closing down the business.
© Arab News 2014
