Insta
South Asian workers form the bulk of blue-collar workers in the Gulf. (Brent Stirton via Getty Images)
Expatriates from several South Asian countries will be hit as Saudi Arabia has moved to increase jobs for its citizens in 12 blue collar occupations, Hindustan Times has reported.
The move will ban foreign workers from being employed in outlets selling watches, eyeglasses, medical equipment, electrical appliances and electronics, car spare parts, building materials, carpets, automobiles and motorcycles, furniture and ready-made office materials, ready-made garments, children’s clothes and men’s wear, household utensils and pastries.
Indians form the biggest expatriate community in Saudi Arabia numbering 32 lakh, many of whom are employed across the sectors that are covered in the ban.
Labour and social development minister Ali Al-Ghafees had earlier issued a directive barring foreigners from certain jobs after the Hijri New Year, which falls on 11 September.
Since the fall in oil prices, Saudi Arabia has been grappling with a job crisis with unemployment rate hitting as high as 12 per cent last year. The ban will be rolled out in three stages till January 2019.
Saudi Arabia has seen sweeping changes being incorporated into its economy and society ever since the crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, effectively took over the reigns of the government.
The Labour Ministry’s had previously under the Nitaqat or Saudisation policy ruled that Saudi companies and enterprises are required to fill up their workforce with Saudi nationals up to certain levels.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest