MLSD detects 14,000 violations to enforce nationalization and feminization of women-only shops, as well as conducting 109,000 inspection rounds

The Ministry of Labor and Social Development said labor inspection campaigns detected 14,132 violations related to the nationalization and feminization of women-only shops in its third phase, which is in cooperation with a number of government entities. The inspection campaigns tracked down 4,555 nationalization violations which comprised 32 percent of the total detected violations, 7,666 feminization violations (54 percent) and 1,911 ones (14 percent) related to other labor regulations. Spokesman of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development Khaled Abalkhail said the inspection teams have conducted 109,000 inspection rounds on commercial centers and independent stores across the Kingdom since the date of enforcement on Oct. 21, 2017 to make sure employers comply with the decisions aiming to nationalize and feminize women-only shops, which is in cooperation with several government entities. Abalkhail clarified the crackdown uncovered 91,914 law-abiding establishments (representing 84 percent of the total visited firms) compared to 17,094 uncompliant ones (16 percent). Abalkhail urged customers to report violations or submit inquiries through dialing the customer service no. (19911) or using the ‘Ma3an lil Rasd’ app on smart phones. Meanwhile, the third phase of the decision kicked off on Oct. 21, 2017 (at the beginning of Safar month) to nationalize and feminize shops selling women-only necessities, including perfumes, shoes, bags, women socks, ready-to-wear cloths, kiosks and women fabrics and department stores selling women cloths along with other staples. It also targets small independent 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 merchandise accessories and cosmetics at indoor malls.