Around 5,000 inspection visits uncover 1,441 violations relating to 3rd phase of feminizing and nationalizing shops: MLSD unveils

Labor inspectors of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development conducted 4,910 inspection visits to a number of commercial centers across the Kingdom to ensure implementation of the third phase of feminizing and nationalizing shops that sell women necessities, which is in cooperation with several government entities.

MLSD spokesman Khaled Abalkhail clarified the inspection rounds uncovered in its first week 2,810 compliant establishments (57.2 percent) compared to 2,100 uncompliant establishments (42.8 percent), pointing out these figures came as a result of enforcing the third phase of the feminization and nationalization decisions.

Abalkhail highlighted the inspection campaigns detected 1,441 violations relating to the two decisions and the labor market, saying the Makkah region recorded the highest number of violations and visits with 608 and 1,205, respectively.

On the other hand, Abalkhail urged customers to report violations or submit inquiries through dialing the customer service no. (19911) or using ‘Ma3an lil Rasd’ app on smart phones.

Meanwhile, the third phase of the decisions kicked off on Oct. 21 (the beginning month of Safar) to nationalize and feminize selling women-only necessities, including perfumes, shoes, bags, women socks, ready-to-wear cloths, kiosks and women fabrics, in addition to department stores selling women cloths along with other staples.

It also targets independent small stores that sell soiree gowns, wedding dresses, Abaya (cloaks), accessories, Jalabiyas (traditional dresses) and mother-care products, as well as including pharmacies with sections that sell accessories and cosmetics located in indoor malls.