MLSD conducts 49,000 inspection rounds to enforce the 3rd phase of the feminization and nationalization decisions for women-only shops

 

The Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD) conducts 49,663 inspection rounds on shopping centers and independent stores in various regions of the Kingdom to make sure establishments in the private sector comply with the decision aiming to feminize and nationalize women-only shops in its third phase.

 

Spokesman of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development Khaled Abalkhail said the inspection campaigns uncovered compliance of 38,685 establishments compared to 10,978 uncompliant ones.

 

The spokesman pointed out labor inspectors detected 8,272 violations related to the feminization and nationalization decisions, including 2,090 nationalization violations and 4,993 feminization violations.

 

Abalkhail added: ‘The remaining number of other labor violations stood at 1,189 as the labor inspectors issued 6,991 warnings against employers during these rounds.’

 

Abalkhail urged customers to report violations or submit inquiries related to the labor market’s violations through dialing the customer service No. (19911) or using ‘Ma3an lil Rasd’ app on smart phones.

 

Meanwhile, the third phase of the decision kicked off on Oct. 21 of the current year to nationalize and feminize shops selling women-only necessities, namely perfumes, shoes, bags, women socks, ready-to-wear cloths, kiosks and women fabrics, in addition to department stores selling women cloths along with other staples.

 

It also targets independent and small 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 sell accessories and cosmetics.

 

In support of the move, the Human Resources Development Fund has offered an array of services for female workers, including the children hospitality program ‘Qurrah’ and the transportation program ‘Wusool’ for the working woman in order to increase the number of Saudi women in the workforce and curb unemployment among them.