The Ministry of Labor announced Saturday it will start implementing regulations to oversee mega recruitment companies which recruit foreign workers for the domestic market, including housemaids and drivers. The big recruitment companies will replace smaller operators in the market. The regulations stipulate the founders of a recruitment company must have at least five members of current recruitment agencies in the country. It is required that the company's capital is no less than SR50 million, if it is applying to be licensed to mediate in recruiting workers and introduce domestic labor services. The capital must be at least SR100 million if the company seeks a license for the above-mentioned practices, in addition to introducing domestic and public labor services for the private and public sectors. Those who want to apply for such licenses must do so within six months of the implementation of the regulations. A company has to start its operation a year after obtaining the license. The period can be extended by the minister if there are convincing reasons to do so. The company can be issued 1,000 visas for each recruitment office participating in its group, on condition these offices are no longer considered to be independent. The company can also transfer workers from a participating recruitment office to it without paying any transfer fees. The company's license lasts for 10 years, which can be renewed. __
