JEDDAH – The head of the Ministry of Labor branch in Makkah said a number of violations have been detected in Jeddah restaurants during the past two days. Abdulmonem Al-Shehri disclosed that the various violations include employing workers who do not have resident permits or are working in professions other than those listed on their identifications. Al-Shehri said the inspection campaign was carried out by the Ministry of Labor branch in cooperation with local police. The campaign targeted several well-known restaurants in Jeddah governorate. A total of 158 violations were registered and punitive measures were taken against offending employees and businesses. The campaign was carried out by 38 inspectors from the Labor Ministry who formed six teams working throughout Jeddah. They verified if the restaurants complied with the labor regulations and employees not working for their sponsors were registered as violators. Workers not working in their professions were also considered violators. Restaurants not providing healthcare to their legal workers were penalized. Arrested unidentified workers were handed over to the policemen accompanying the inspectors ahead of their probable deportation and those who employed them are expected to be issued penalties. Discussing procedures taken in cases where workers are employed by businesses other than their sponsors, Al-Shehri said the Ministry of Labor works to arrest violators and investigate them. The Ministry of Labor will summon all parties for investigation and the ministry's services provided to the firm are suspended until all measures are completed and appropriate penalties issued. Jeddah Municipality recently closed down several restaurants after detecting a number of violations. The local authority said it would continue its inspection campaign and name and shame restaurants violating regulations. However, the hospitality committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) said it would file a complaint through the Makkah governorate against the municipality, claiming bylaws governing the issuance of fines do not permit the closure of businesses committing first or second time offences.
