Saudi Gazette report RIYADH – Barely 65 days are left before the decision requiring women's accessory and clothes businesses to hire Saudi women goes into force. Any business that fails to comply with the decision will face strict penalties. All businesses have started advertising openings for female workers. This fact is manifested by the thousands of applications filed by these businesses at employment agencies. Some investors who own women's accessory and clothes businesses told Al-Riyadh daily they started asking expatriate male workers to find work in other places as they want to hire Saudi women to replace them. According to the Labor Ministry's instructions, business will have to have a security guard outside in addition to places where women can perform prayer, rest and use the bathroom. Hadi Al-Falih, human resources expert, said the increase in job applications could be attributed to the ministry's warning that it will hold non-compliant businesses fully responsible. “Salaries start at SR4,000. Many businesses want to hire women now so that they can train them and prepare them to run the business before the ministry's decision goes into force," Al-Falih said. He added that the ministry will impose fines, shut down the business and deport workers who are not under the sponsorship of the owner while the owners will risk having their registration certificates suspended or canceled. Naif Al-Otaibi, who owns a women's accessory business, said he is looking to hire Saudi women for his store. Al-Otaibi believes the decision will not negatively affect purchasing power or profits because female shoppers will feel more comfortable talking to women. “It's better for business owners to hire Saudi women and reduce reliance on expatriate workers who cost owners a lot of money in terms of renewal of residency permits, housing allowance, travel tickets and medical insurance.” The ministry's decision will take effect on July 7. Men will not be allowed to enter shops run by women, according to the decision.
