The Ministry of labor today announced that it would enforce, effective tomorrow, a rule preventing work in Saudi Arabia under direct sun rays. Undersecretary of the Ministry for Inspection and Work Environment Development Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Buthnain said the regulation exempts laborers working for oil and gas companies as well as emergency maintenance workers, provided that necessary measures be taken to protect them from detrimental sun rays. He noted that some provinces in Saudi Arabia will not be applicable to enforcing the measure as they enjoy low and tolerable temperatures. Companies who were found not complying with the law will be subject to punishment, citing a not less than three thousand Saudi Riyal and no more than SR10,000 fine per violation or closure of the facility for no more than 30 days or forever whereas the two penalties of fine and closure could be combined. He gave the free toll number of 1911 for the public to report about any breach.
