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.

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