King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and President of the Council of Higher Education, has approved the council's decision on allowances and gratuities for members of the academic staff of Saudi universities. Dr. Khalid Al-Anqari, Minister of Higher Education, said the Cabinet earlier issued the decision pertaining to paying gratuities and allowances to Saudi members of the academic staff of universities. Dr. Al-Anqari pointed out that the gratuities and allowances will be paid effective from the beginning of the current fiscal year. The decision stipulated formation of a standing committee comprising the representatives of the ministries of higher education, civil service and finance, and that the outcome of the committee's meetings should be submitted to the Council of Higher Education. In line with the decision of the Council of Higher Education, Dr. Al-Anqari said the universities will submit periodical reports on the implementation of the new decision, and that the standing committee will review the decision every three years. He noted that King Abdullah, in addition to his decision of improving the situation of the members of the academic staff, has also issued his directives to allocate SR5 billion for implementing housing projects for the members of the academic staff at the universities. Dr. Al-Anqari highlighted the significant role which could be played by these incentives for encouraging innovation and excellence at the Saudi universities and improving the performance of the members of the academic staff. The approval of King Abdullah of the decision embodies the great attention he gives to the educational sector in the country, the minister said. Dr. Al-Anqari said these incentives include at least two bonuses depending upon the contribution made by a staff member. He said these incentives would have a big and positive effect in putting a limit to the brain drain of university staff. Dr. Al-Anqari said work is under progress to develop the idea of granting university professors easy loans for housing. The leadership is giving due attention to this issue, he said.
