JEDDAH: The Ministry of Labor is moving forward with plans to set up workplace nurseries and daycare centers and creating “a safe and friendly working environment for women,” according to Khalid Abalkhail, a ministry spokesman.
Abalkhail made the announcement Saturday on his Twitter account.
The ministry also has started implementing a new initiative to facilitate commuting for women to and from their workplaces in Jeddah and Riyadh. The initiative is in its pilot phase, according to Abalkhail.
Establishing nurseries and daycares at workplaces, as well as adjusting working hours for women to achieve a workplace/home balance, especially for mothers of infants and younger children, is part of the initiative.
Angham Bukhari, a lingerie and sleepwear store manager at Mall of Arabia in Jeddah, told Arab News that her company has been providing shuttle bus service to take employees to and from their workplaces. She said she does not know whether providing a safe and convenient commute is a requirement by the Ministry of Labor, but her employer has been providing that service for two years.
Starting this month, her company has collaborated with Careem. The company assigned SR1,500 a month for female employees to use a taxi service if buses do not reach their homes.
“There is a daycare at the mall now where I can leave my child during working hours,” said Bukhari, who is a mother of a 5-year-old. “I used to work for eight hours but now I work for six only. A colleague then takes over in the evening shift.”
Bukhari’s monthly basic salary is SR3,550 with added benefits and occasional bonuses that can bring it up to SR6,000. She still receives a transportation allowance even if she uses the shuttle bus service.
“We do not get lower salaries compared to our male counterparts due to working for six hours a day (with a weekly day off) instead of eight as this is a regulation from the Ministry of Labor,” she told Arab News. Bukhari said Saudi salesmen also work for six hours unlike non-Saudis who work longer hours.
Bukhari, who is expecting a second baby, added that maternity leave is three weeks. Additional time can be provided, although subject to an unpaid leave.
Sarah’s case is different. After being hesitant to speak to Arab News, she asked to be referred to as “Sarah” without confirming whether it was her real first name.
The 23-year-old, who works at a store that sells cosmetic products, needs to choose between receiving a SR500 transportation allowance, or taking a ride on the bus the company provides.
If they have children, her female colleagues must pay an average of SR350 a month to take their children to the nursery at the mall.
“I don’t have children, but I believe that this is difficult for mothers as they want to keep their children close,” she said. Sarah, who joined the store a year and a half ago, works eight hours daily and receives a monthly salary of SR3,500 including benefits.
At a department store that caters to female and male shoppers in one of Jeddah’s malls, women sales assistants whose salaries are below SR5,000 a month will be offered free rides on Careem following and arrangement with the employer.
“What I like the most about working here is that it’s at a mall and I have everything I need around me,” said Fatima, the manager of the female staff at the department store. “What is annoying is that the store is open until 11:30 p.m. and we sometimes get men coming after 11 p.m. and act in a way that bothers us. But now the security is aware of that and stops them from entering.”
Workingwomen have been more visible in shopping malls around the Kingdom during the past decade, since they replaced their male counterparts at women’s clothing stores.
The late former Minister of Labor Ghazi Al-Qusaibi took the initiative to ban salesmen from working at lingerie shops — a move that was hailed by women shoppers who found it easier to choose lingerie when surrounded by saleswomen.
In 2011, Saudi women started working as sales assistants and behind the tills at stores that sell women and children clothes that only allow entry for families.
Increasing the number of women’s participation in the workforce from 22 percent to 30 percent is among the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Arab News requested a clarification from the Labor Ministry’s spokesman Khalid Abalkhail, but he did not respond late Monday.
Saudi women find working environment improving, but obstacles remain
Saudi women find working environment improving, but obstacles remain
Cabinet reviews Hajj 2025 plans as Dhul Hijjah begins
- Cabinet said the Kingdom takes pride in serving the Two Holy Mosques and receiving millions of pilgrims for Hajj, Umrah, and visits
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday reviewed plans for this year’s Hajj season as the Supreme Court announced that Dhul Hijjah will start on Wednesday.
Hajj takes place during Dhul Hijjah and the pilgrimage will start on June 4 with pilgrims gathering in the Tent City of Mina.
The Cabinet said relevant authorities were operating with the highest standards of efficiency, quality, coordination, and integration, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
These efforts aim to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims, supported by the Kingdom’s extensive development projects and advanced infrastructure, which enhance all aspects of service and facilitate the performance of Hajj rituals for pilgrims from around the world, the Cabinet said.
The Cabinet said the Kingdom takes pride in serving the Two Holy Mosques and receiving millions of pilgrims for Hajj, Umrah, and visits. This reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering Islamic role and longstanding commitment since its unification by the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud.
The Cabinet also discussed the Kingdom’s participation in the recent summits between the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and China. These engagements reaffirm the Kingdom’s support for international initiatives promoting sustainable development and regional stability, contributing to a prosperous future for all nations, it said.
The Cabinet welcomed the announcement of a new oil discovery in the neutral zone between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. It described the development as a positive step that enhances cooperation in the energy sector and reflects the success of joint exploration and development efforts.
The Cabinet also reviewed regional and international developments, reiterating the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to support the Palestinian cause. It called for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the facilitation of humanitarian aid, and the cessation of violations by Israeli authorities of international laws and norms.
The Cabinet praised the launch of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition’s regional program for Sahel countries, inaugurated in Mali. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation among member states in combatting terrorism and its financing through joint action and the exchange of expertise.
The Cabinet lauded initiatives launched as part of the Health Sector Transformation Program which have enhanced the quality and comprehensiveness of healthcare, improved preventive and traffic safety measures, and advanced digital health services in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.
The Cabinet affirmed that the Kingdom remains committed to comprehensive and sustainable development through economic diversification, optimization of its competitive advantages, stimulation of local and foreign investment, empowerment of Saudi citizens, and the creation of job opportunities across various sectors.
Makkah Route Initiative: Enhancing the experience for once-in-a-lifetime journey
- The initiative involves dedicated services at 12 airports in 8 countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco, the Maldives and Cote d’Ivoire
- Now in its seventh year, more than 1m pilgrims benefitted from the initiative, says ministry
RIYADH: The Makkah Route Initiative by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior aims to make the once-in-a-lifetime journey easy for foreign pilgrims by enhancing their Hajj experience.
Now in its seventh year, the initiative is carried out by the ministry as part of the Vision 2030 Pilgrim Experience Program.
The ministry recently announced that more than 1 million pilgrims have benefited from the initiative since its launch, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Hajj pilgrims.
Established in 2018 and activated in 2019, the initiative enables pilgrims to complete their entry procedures to Saudi Arabia at their home countries’ airports.
Upon arrival in the Kingdom, pilgrims and their luggage are directly transported to their accommodation in the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, avoiding long lines and wait times at the airport.
Pilgrims arriving under the initiative spend only a few minutes at the Saudi immigration counters.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Makkah Route Initiative enables pilgrims to complete their entry procedures to Saudi Arabia at their home countries’ airports.
• Pilgrims arriving under the initiative spend only a few minutes at the Saudi immigration counters.
It includes dedicated lounges at 12 airports in eight countries — Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco, the Maldives and Cote d’Ivoire.
Malaysian pilgrim Hasna Hamza, who arrived for her pilgrimage last week, expressed her heartfelt thanks to the Saudi government for facilitating the journey.
Aged 74, she described the process as “smooth, respectful and deeply spiritual.”
She completed her travel procedures in Kuala Lumpur — including biometric collection, health screening, passport validation and luggage processing.
Upon arrival in Madinah, she and fellow pilgrims were swiftly transferred to their accommodation with their luggage.
Naved Hasan, a Pakistani pilgrim told Arab News that the initiative enables pilgrims “to be fully committed to performing one of their holiest duties with peace of mind.”
Mohammed Mubarak, a Bangladeshi pilgrim, added: “Completing all the necessary procedures before leaving my home country saved me a lot of time and stress.”
The first group of 414 Bangladeshi pilgrims arrived at the Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on April 29.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia M. Delwar Hossain welcomed them at the airport, and assured that the Bangladesh Embassy, Consulate and Bangladesh Hajj Mission were available to support them.
The program, led by multilingual national teams and supported by advanced technology, ensures a smooth and spiritual experience for all pilgrims.
Underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to pilgrims through the Makkah Route Initiative, Saudi Ambassador to Morocco Dr. Sami Al-Saleh said the initiative “streamlines Hajj procedures and ensures a peaceful journey for pilgrims traveling from their home countries to the Kingdom.”
Al-Saleh added that the widely embraced initiative in Morocco enables pilgrims to fulfill all travel procedures at Mohammed V International Airport in their home country.
Saudi Arabia launched the Makkah Route Initiative in the Maldives this week, making it the eighth country to benefit.
Officially inaugurating the initiative at Velana International Airport in Male on Monday, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu presented the passport to the first pilgrim from a group of 234.
The ministries of media, health and Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia run campaigns through social media to provide all the necessary information.
The Ministry of Hajj has reiterated that all intending to perform Hajj must obtain an official permit through the “Nusuk” platform, in technical integration with the unified digital platform for Hajj permits, “Tasreeh.”
The ministry emphasized that compliance with regulations is essential to protect the safety and well-being of pilgrims, and to ensure a smooth and secure Hajj experience.
In an official statement, the ministry stressed that no separate visa category — other than the official Hajj visa — grants its holder the right to perform Hajj.
Hefty fines up to SR100,000 ($26,000) will be enforced for anyone attempting to perform Hajj without the necessary visa.
The Makkah Route Initiative is run in coordination with several government entities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and Ministry of Media, the Saudi Data and AI Authority, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the General Authority for Awqaf, the Pilgrim Experience Program and the General Directorate of Passports.
Saudi Arabia launches Makkah Route Initiative in Maldives
- Maldives is eighth country to benefit, following Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco, Ivory Coast
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has launched its Makkah Route Initiative in the Maldives, making it the eighth country to benefit from the scheme.
The other seven countries are Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco and the Ivory Coast.
President of the Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the route at Velana International Airport in Male on Monday, in the presence of the Chairman of the Makkah Route Supervisory Committee Lt. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Yahya, Minister of Islamic Affairs in the Maldives Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and several other officials.
The President’s Office posted on X: “President Dr @MMuizzu officially inaugurates the Makkah Route Initiative, accompanied by first lady madam @sajidhaamohamed.
“The president presented the passport to the first pilgrim utilizing the Makkah Route Initiative, while the first lady presented the passport to the second pilgrim.”
The first group of 234 Maldivian pilgrims left Male Airport under the initiative for Saudi Arabia.
This is a tremendous honor for the Maldivian people.
Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Maldives Minister of Islamic Affairs
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ali Saeed described the occasion as a proud moment for all Maldivians.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs in the Maldives said it noted that the positive changes initiated in Hajj affairs under Muizzu’s administration were now coming to fruition, transforming the pilgrimage experience for Maldivian pilgrims.
The minister said: “This is a historic page in our efforts to ease and enhance the Hajj journey for our citizens.”
Ali Saeed expressed sincere gratitude to Muizzu for his strong support and commitment to making the Makkah Route Initiative a reality for the Maldives.
He further revealed that the inclusion of the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative was made possible through special exemptions granted by Saudi Arabia, with the personal approval of King Salman.
“This is a tremendous honor for the Maldivian people,” he added, recognizing the close and valued relationship between the two nations.
The Makkah Route Initiative is designed to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from beneficiary countries by streamlining travel procedures in their home countries and facilitating the smooth and seamless completion of process at their designated embarkation points.
This includes collecting biometric data, electronically issuing Hajj visas, completing passport procedures at the departure airport following health verification, coding and sorting luggage according to transportation and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom, and transferring pilgrims to buses to their residences in Makkah and Madinah.
Partner agencies are responsible for delivering the luggage to pilgrims’ accommodation in the holy cities.
Saudi deputy minister meets Portuguese foreign ministry official
- The two officials headed the second round of political consultations between the two countries
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati met Helena Malcata, director-general of foreign policy at the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Riyadh on Tuesday.
The two officials headed the second round of political consultations between the two countries, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them in various fields.
Portuguese Ambassador to the Kingdom Nuno Matias was present during the meeting.
Saudi Arabia condemns storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Israeli officials and settlers under the protection of Israeli forces on Monday.
The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its condemnation of the continued flagrant violations of international law and brutal attacks on the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Crowds of Israelis streamed through Jerusalem’s Old City, where some scuffled with residents and hurled insults at Palestinians, as annual celebrations of Israel’s capture of east Jerusalem took place on Monday.
Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir stormed the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, to mark the occasion.
Jerusalem Day, as the celebrations are known, commemorates Israeli forces taking east Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.
The Kingdom affirmed its categorical rejection of anything that undermines the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its holy sites.It called on the international community to hold Israeli authorities accountable for their ongoing violations against Islamic holy sites and innocent civilians in Palestine.
