JEDDAH: In a move which is considered as a “declaration of war” on corruption in the private sector, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development called upon companies to adopt a firm policy against bribery, bad “business facilitators” and any misconduct which may violate work ethics.
The ministry also requested that the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC) yesterday start implementing Cabinet Decision No. 111,053 of Aug. 8, which obliges companies and institutions to prepare special work ethic guides, similar to the ministry’s own guide which defines unacceptable practices in the work place, mainly bribery, accepting gifts, and all forms of corruption.
The ministry’s guide considers bribery to be one the major crimes that could lead to social corruption, and harm national interests and social development. It also maintains that Islamic law prohibits such conduct.
Moreover, the ministry’s guide stresses the importance of familiarizing the labor force with the consequences of the crime of bribery, which may entail severe punishment under Saudi law.
The ministry also warned against the collection of donations in the work place because “Saudi regulations only allow certain licensed entities to collect donations.”
Saudi Labor Ministry declares war on corruption in private sector
Saudi Labor Ministry declares war on corruption in private sector
Saudi project clears 732 Houthi mines in Yemen
RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 732 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.
The total included 11 anti-personnel mines, 31 anti-tank mines, 685 unexploded ordnances and five explosive devices, according to a recent report.
Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 480,526 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.
The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.
The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.
The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.
Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
HR ministry revises wage protection rule
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has reduced the wage protection file upload period on the Mudad platform from 60 to 30 days, effective March 1.
Previously, establishments could upload files in a two month period, but they must now submit them within one month to ensure accuracy and compliance with wage agreements and payment timelines, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The ministry made this change after a study found that 91 percent of establishments already upload wage files within 30 days.
The goal is to enhance compliance, ensure timely wage payments, and strengthen trust in the work environment, the SPA reported.
Establishments are urged to upload wage files on time and review Payroll Management System details to meet program requirements, support labor market stability, and protect workers’ rights.
Jeddah to host ‘Made in Pakistan’ exhibition
JEDDAH: Jeddah will host the inaugural “Made in Pakistan” Exhibition and Business Forum from Feb. 5-7 at the Jeddah Center for Exhibitions and Events, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Organized by the Jeddah Chamber in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s ministries of commerce and investment, and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, the event will feature more than 130 exhibitors from key sectors.
It will showcase specialized Pakistani products, as well as promote investment opportunities and expanded market reach in Saudi Arabia and the region.
The exhibition highlights the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and their shared commitment to enhancing economic cooperation, the SPA reported.
Textiles, agricultural and food products, and leather goods will be on display, showcasing Pakistan’s rich natural resources.
Additionally, the exhibition will feature Pakistan’s renowned handicrafts, reflecting the country’s cultural heritage and centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship and industrial innovation.
The event is for trade professionals on Feb. 5-6 and open to the public on Feb. 7.
10,000 mangroves planted across five regions
JEDDAH: The National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification organized mangrove cultivation campaigns across the Kingdom on Feb. 2-3, coinciding with World Wetlands Day.
The campaigns took place in various regions, including Jazan, the Eastern Province, Madinah, Makkah, and Asir, where more than 10,000 saplings were planted, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The initiative was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and other environmental organizations.
In the Makkah region, the center planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings on Jeddah’s beaches to support biodiversity and sustainable natural resource management, the SPA added.
The initiative saw strong participation from volunteers of all ages, following the center’s launch of several volunteer opportunities to engage local communities in environmental efforts.
The campaign highlighted the vital role of wetlands as unique ecosystems that provide natural climate solutions, enhance environmental sustainability, and restore ecological balance, the SPA reported.
The center is dedicated to developing, protecting, and monitoring vegetation cover sites across the Kingdom while restoring degraded areas.
It also works to detect violations, combat illegal logging, and oversee the management and investment of natural rangelands, forests, and national parks.
Syrian leader to perform Umrah in Makkah
RIYADH: Syrian Arab Republic President Ahmad Al-Sharaa on Monday arrived in Jeddah before heading to Makkah to perform Umrah.
The Saudi Press Agency shared photos of Al-Sharaa wearing the Ihram clothing, garments worn by Muslim people before performing pilgrimage.
Al-Sharaa met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday and discussed ways to support the security and stability of the Syrian Arab Republic.
The visit is Al-Sharaa’s first foreign trip since taking office.
