Four ministries implement inspection rounds to nationalize indoor malls and curb cover-up business in al-Qassim

The Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD) and an array of government entities carried out inspection campaigns in support of the nationalization of indoor malls in the al-Qassim region.

The move ensures implementation of the decision aiming to replace expatriate workers with Saudi nationals and curbing cover-up business in the region, as well as making sure of employers’ compliance to the regulation.

The participating entities included the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Ministry of Commerce and Investment alongside the governorate of al-Qassim region.

MLSD said in a press statement the decision is in a bid to increase Saudi workforce’s participation in the labor market and nationalize jobs in the private sector with the aim of targeting various shops in the shopping centers, generating decent work with rewarding benefits for Saudi nationals in the al-Qassim region.

Additionally, it offers quality solutions to enhance productive and sustainable nationalization and close gabs between jobs occupied by expatriates, as well as play a major role in supporting male and female entrepreneurs.

The decision also involves social security beneficiaries and residents of nursing homes and charitable organizations in the labor market, turning them into productive individuals through training and employment that MLSD and its affiliates offer in order to regulate and develop the labor market.

The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) and Social Development Bank (SDB) have designed training and rehabilitation programs and loans for Saudi entrants. These programs are in cooperation with the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC).
Such schemes are vital to get more Saudi men and women employed in this important sector, a move that helps localize the indoor malls, MLSD said as well.
The ministry and its affiliates also formulate public-private partnership to provide transportation and childcare centers for Saudi females employed at these malls, ensuring suitable work environment and career stability for them.

Around 4,000 jobs are expected to be occupied by Saudi males and females amid the enforcement of the decision in the al-Qassim region.