Saudi bars foreigners from 12 job roles

Saudi Arabia’s minister of labour and social development has issued a decree barring foreigners from work in 12 new roles.

Ministry spokesperson Khaled Abalkhail told Saudi Press Agency that the decree was intended to provide more job opportunities for citizens in the private sector.

It covers activities in shops selling watches, eyewear, medical equipment and devices, electrical and electronic appliances, auto parts, building materials, carpets, cars and motorcycles, home and office furniture, children’s clothing and men’s accessories, home kitchenware, confectioneries and pastries.

The decree comes in addition to Saudisation rules for shops selling female-specific items.

A committee will be formed to Saudise jobs in these industries with members from the ministry, Human Resources Development Fund and Social Development Bank.

The ministry warned that action would be taken against violators.

Companies have until September 2018 to ensure they are compliant with the new rules.

The kingdom has barred foreigners from a number of sectors in an effort to decrease the Saudi unemployment rate, which is as high as 35 per cent for young citizens.

Read: Study finds a third of young Saudis are unemployed

Earlier this month, the labour ministry announced that only Saudi citizens wiould be able to work in car rental offices from mid-March.

Read: Saudi to ban foreigners from work in car rental offices

Other industries limited to Saudis include mobile phone shops, gold and jewellery stores and retail outlets in malls.