Saudi Arabia has announced new measures at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense. The Council of Ministers yesterday adopted a series of decisions to drive out illegal foreign workers who violate the Kingdom’s residency and labor regulations. The move also targets illegal coverup businesses. "The amendments to the residency law will yield positive results in terms of streamlining the labor market," said Ibrahim Al-Gorabi, a Saudi academician working for King Saud University (KSU), here yesterday.
During the meeting, Article 39 of the Labor Law was amended, preventing sponsors from allowing their employees to work for others.
The Cabinet took the decision on the basis of recommendations made by the Ministry of Interior on how to address the phenomena of foreigners working for firms and individuals other than their original sponsors and runaway domestic workers.
Al-Gorabi added that there are more illegal migrant workers in Saudi Arabia than any time in the past. The problem, he said, further compounds when a foreign worker deserts his sponsor and goes to work for another sponsor, if he or she is given a higher salary, said Al-Gorabi. He said that illegal workers also pose security as well as social problems.
Abdullah Al-Anazi, director general of the department to fight tasattur (cover up business) at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said foreigners involved in illegal cover-up businesses transfer more than SR 140 billion to their countries annually.
The majority of tasattur business takes place in the contracting sector (43 percent), followed by retail trade (19.2 percent) and general trade (16 percent). Exact figure of undocumented workers in the Kingdom is unavailable. According to one estimate, the number could reach two million.
The new decisions aim at reorganizing the Kingdom’s labor market and creating more job opportunities for Saudis. It also aims at strengthening the Kingdom’s security as illegal foreigners are behind many crimes including robbery, murder and drug trafficking.
“An employer is not allowed to let his worker works for others nor is he allowed to employ the workers of other sponsors,” the amended law said.
“This is a great decision,” said Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Rabiah, a prominent Saudi businessman. “There are thousands of foreigners who do not work under their sponsors. Many of them engage in their own private enterprises illegally,” he told Arab News, adding that the Cabinet decision would help clean the market.
Al-Rabiah called for tough punishment for those who do not work under their sponsors. However, he called upon authorities to give qualified foreign workers a final chance to correct their situation “so that there will not be any excuse for them to break the law.”
Another Saudi, who requested anonymity, said the decision to drive away illegal expats would affect businesses in the country. “Many businesses have been depending on these workers who are readily available in the market for years,” he said while highlighting problems to get qualified workers. He indicated that non-availability of workers would shoot up prices of essential goods and services.
The Cabinet has instructed the Ministry of Labor to inspect facilities and investigate irregularities discovered by the inspectors, and then forward their findings to the Interior Ministry to apply penalties on the violators.
“The employer is not allowed to let his worker works for his own account, nor is the worker allowed to work for his own account,” the new law said. Foreigners involved in such illegal practices will be arrested and deported, the law warned.
The new law also applies to foreigners who have run away from sponsors, as well as employers of illegal workers, Saudis who shelter foreigner businesses and those who shelter and transport illegal workers.
This move was not supported by Refaat Karim, an Asian banker who said that the Ministry of Labor must streamline the labor sector first. Any move to detail illegal workers or workers holding valid residency permits (iqamas) but working for other sponsors will create an alarming shortfall in the labor market, Karim added. The government agencies, he said, must give an amnesty period to correct the status of the workers to enable them to stay with the sponsors for whom they are working. "According to Saudi law, once migrant workers leave their initial employers, they become illegal," he said.
KSA goes tough on illegals
KSA goes tough on illegals
Emir of Kuwait sends King Salman GCC Summit letter
- Message delivered to minister during meeting in Riyadh
RIYADH: King Salman has received a letter from the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah inviting him to the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit.
The message was delivered to Minister of State Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd during a meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya.
The two sides held cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest.
The 45th GCC Summit takes place in Kuwait on Sunday.
King Salman asks people of Saudi Arabia to pray on Thursday for rain
RIYADH: King Salman called on Muslims in Saudi Arabia to pray on Thursday for rain, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“Everyone who is able should be keen to perform the prayer, in accordance with the tradition of Prophet Muhammad,” the Royal Court said.
Muslims are often asked to pray for rainfall in times of drought or other water shortages.
Global Harmony event concludes with celebration of Egyptian culture in Riyadh
- Saudi Arabia and Egypt continue to strengthen their political relationship through agreements in trade, tourism, energy and culture
RIYADH: The Global Harmony initiative concludes its third edition with a week-long celebration of Egyptian music, art and tradition in Suwaidi Park as part of Riyadh Season.
Running from Nov. 24-30 and organized by the Ministry of Media, the event invites visitors to experience Egypt’s rich heritage through a range of cultural activities.
Speaking to Arab News, Egyptian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Tarek El-Meligy highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the two nations. “The Egyptian community is the most harmonious, coexistent and understanding in a positive way within Saudi society,” he said.
“If you ask any Egyptian which country they would like to live in after Egypt, they will say Saudi Arabia.”
Sarry Shaaban, an executive and consultant at the General Entertainment Authority, said: “We are talking about millions of visitors, both residents and Saudis, entering the park. Whether I’m a resident, a Saudi or from a country hosting the event, it provides an opportunity for residents to learn about your culture, colors, explore its arts, food, crafts, and traditional industries.”
Live music and dance performances displaying Egypt’s cultural traditions, with the rhythm of drums and flutes and performers in traditional costumes, have brought the life and spirit of Cairo’s streets to Riyadh.
A separate bazaar area has been set up featuring Egyptian cuisine, traditional clothing and handcrafted items.
“An event like this carries positive messages and highlights something we strive to emphasize every day, that we are one people, united by love and affection,” said El-Meligy.
Egyptian Sameh Nabil emphasized the feel of unity: “This initiative brought us closer together as Egyptians, and with Saudis here, I feel like we are brothers. I always feel like we are not expatriates.”
And visitor Khaled Zahir said: “This event reflects the love, connection and affection between Egyptians living in the Kingdom and Saudis.”
Egyptians make up 11 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population, according to the Saudi Census, meaning such exhibitions are important in promoting mutual respect and harmony.
El-Meligy said Saudi Arabia hosted the largest Egyptian expatriate community abroad, with remittances from those in the Kingdom forming a significant part of their home nation’s income.
“In recent months, remittances from Egyptians abroad have increased substantially, thanks to the facilities between the two countries and the confidence in both the Saudi and Egyptian economies,” he added.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt continue to strengthen their political relationship through agreements in trade, tourism, energy and culture. In his October visit to Cairo, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss investment opportunities and the establishment of a supreme coordination council to deepen bilateral relations.
Trade between Saudi Arabia and Egypt saw a 35.16 percent annual increase in the first half of 2024, according to the General Authority of Statistics. The increase was driven by a 73.44 percent surge in Saudi imports from Egypt, totaling $4.18 billion.
Egypt has also shown a growing interest in investing in Saudi Arabia, with a 71 percent rise in licenses granted to Egyptian firms in the second quarter of 2024.
The festival, which began in October, highlights the lives, contributions and cultural integration of its residents. So far, it has celebrated cultures including Indian heritage and moving through Philippine, Indonesian, Pakistani, Yemeni, Sudanese, Bangladeshi, Jordanian, Lebanese and Syrian traditions.
Riyadh Expo 2030 provides progress update to international exhibitions regulator BIE
- Members of Riyadh Expo 2030 update Bureau International des Expositions on progress toward hosting the event
RIYADH: A Saudi delegation representing Riyadh Expo 2030 took part in a Bureau International des Expositions meeting on Tuesday to review the Kingdom’s readiness to host the global event.
In November 2023, Saudi Arabia won the bid to host the 2030 World Expo between October 2030 and March 2031 in the capital, Riyadh.
The Riyadh Expo 2030 delegation took part in the 175th general assembly meeting of the BIE, a Paris-based intergovernmental organization which oversees and regulates World Expos, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They updated senior officials of the BIE about the latest Saudi developments and preparations for hosting the event. They also discussed progress on work to accommodate an expected 246 exhibitors, including countries, organizations and companies, at a site north of Riyadh.
Under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow,” the event aims to be a unique platform for innovations and modern technologies which aim to find answers to challenges facing the planet in various fields, according to the Expo 2030 website.
Hospitality sector innovations, trends showcased at Riyadh exhibition
- Event gathers local and international exhibitors, industry leaders, and visitors to showcase trends, innovations, and business opportunities in the sector
- Exhibition features an array of engaging activities, including live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a barista competition, and workshops for aspiring culinary professionals
RIYADH: This year’s HORECA exhibition held in Riyadh is underscoring the Kingdom’s growing influence in the global hospitality market.
Held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, the three-day event concludes on Nov. 27 and gathers local and international exhibitors, industry leaders, and visitors to showcase trends, innovations, and business opportunities in the sector.
The event contributes to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by fostering private-sector growth, promoting tourism, and enhancing the country’s food and beverage industries.
The exhibition features an array of engaging activities, including live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a barista competition, and workshops for aspiring culinary professionals.
Visitors can sample creative dishes, observe new techniques in food and beverage, and explore sustainable packaging solutions, among other highlights.
Prince Waleed bin Nasser, guest of honor and CEO of Mukatafa Co., highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors.
Speaking at a session on public policies impacting the food and beverage sector, he said: “The vision today aspires for the private sector to play a significant role in the development of the economy. The private sector must take the initiative to have a voice. To achieve this, it needs to be organized and united in presenting a single perspective.”
He also emphasized the need for proactive engagement: “We must work as one, united with a common vision, and present this vision in a professional manner backed by facts, ensuring that the decisions made have a positive impact on the sector and the citizens.”
Culinary competitions are among the highlights celebrating creativity and technical skills at HORECA. Mohammed Naif, a participant representing Saudi Arabia’s Hotel and Tourism Management Institute, told Arab News: “The atmosphere was amazing, and the competition was all about passion and enjoyment. There was a panel of judges and organizers who were very supportive — if you made a mistake, they would help you, and if you had an incomplete idea, they would guide you.
“I encourage anyone with a passion for cooking to join, showcase their creativity, and learn while bringing out their best.”
The exhibition also provided a platform for networking, with exhibitors showcasing local innovations as well as international brands. From cutting-edge hospitality tech to Saudi-inspired culinary creations, the event highlighted the Kingdom’s growing reputation as a global hub for the sector.
