The article “707 firms penalized for violating wage rules” (Dec. 10) does not contain surprising news. Many big well-known companies still fail to pay their employees on time. The wage regulations are not strictly enforced and companies find ways to violate the rules. Moreover, the sanctions imposed on the employer are actually hurting the employee. When iqama (residence permit) renewal and transfer are stopped, all related services, such as bank accounts and medical insurance for employees are frozen. The Ministry of Labor should review the sanctions that it imposes so that they penalize the employer only and not the employee. Ronald, Online response
