Inspectors detect 5,405 violations related to nationalization of men and children’s ready-to-wear cloths shops, as well as warning 887 entities

The Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD) said Thursday collective inspection teams have detected 475 violations related to labor issues and the nationalization of men and children’s ready-to-wear cloths shops. In cooperation with other entities, the ministry has implemented 5,405 inspection rounds that target men and children’s apparel shops in various regions of the Kingdom since the enforcement of the decision on Sept. 11, which seeks to nationalize four economic activities. During the inspection campaign, a total of 4,306 entities have been in compliance with the nationalization decision compared to 504 entities failing to do so. Additionally, the inspection campaign detected 360 violations related to the nationalization decision and 115 related to other labor issues. They also have issued 887 warnings to those who continue to ignore the decision and closed down another 595. The sales business of watches, optics, electrical and electronic appliances will be nationalized on Nov. 9, 2018, whereas the nationalization of medical supplies and equipment, auto parts, building and construction materials, carpets shops and confectionery shops will be on Jan. 7, 2019. Previously, the ministry has approved the instructions guide that streamlines the ministerial decision aiming to nationalize 12 economic activities in the retail sector, containing details on how the decision is enforced as well as various support programs that involved government entities offer. Moreover, the guide provides details about sales jobs exclusive to Saudi men and women in the retail sector, general conditions, the programs offered by the ministry and its affiliated entities and FAQs, which can be viewed via (https://goo.gl/RYBMBf). A joint committee have been formed by representatives from the MLSD, the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) and the Social Development Bank in order to prepare a program that explores nationalization of other activities as well as coordinating with the concerned entities. Those who violate the decision that replaces foreign workers with Saudi workers in these activities will be subject to penalties mentioned in the Law, the ministry highlighted.