RIYADH/DAMMAM: The Ministry of Labor has admitted it is unable to monitor all private sector companies for labor violations. Sources said inspections have so far covered 47,349 firms while the target is 270,000. The inspections are aimed at making sure labor regulations are implemented including working hours, payment, health and safety measures and social services. There were 1,072 cases handled by the inspectors involving 16,429 workers. The Higher Commission for the Resolution of Labor Disputes issued verdicts in 450 cases against firms for violating labor regulations. Ahmad Al-Oabid, Director General of the Labor Office in the Eastern Province, said company workers who spent more than two years at work are entitled to get a special, once-off paid vacation to perform Haj.
