The Ministry of Labor has suspended visas for foreign salesmen at lingerie and cosmetics shops, to further pressure companies to employ Saudi women on full-time contracts, it was reported in a section of the Arabic press Saturday. Dr. Fahd Al-Takhifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Development at the Ministry of Labor, said the ministry will continue to allow these companies to employ males in other positions. He said business owners have until June 27 to employ Saudi women in all cosmetics shops, as is currently the case with lingerie shops. Al-Takhifi said the ministry is considering proposals to ensure Saudi women are also employed at perfume shops and in other female-related commercial activities. He said no decision has been taken in this regard yet because the ministry is focusing its efforts first on lingerie and cosmetics shops. He said business owners have cooperated with the ministry to overcome various challenges in the feminization program. Al-Takhifi stressed that business owners are obliged to provide medical insurance for female employees and their dependents. “Medical insurance is one of the important and essential services for women working in these shops because it provides job security. This should be clearly stated in the contract.”
