Saudi Arabia's Minister of Labour has promised new measures to reduce the number of expatriates living and working illegally in the kingdom, including fines of up to 100,000 Saudi Riyals (Dh97,933) and two years' imprisonment.
On Saudi Arabia's MBC network, Adel Al Faqih said his ministry had hired an additional 1,000 labour inspectors to ensure that employers were in compliance with the kingdom's quotas for employing Saudi citizens. Any employer found hiring illegal foreign workers or falling below the quotas could face new penalties.
The moves are part of a push to diminish Saudi dependence on foreign labour and reduce unemployment among Saudi nationals. Officially, unemployment in the kingdom is 12 per cent but many analysts believe the true rates, particularly among youth, are far higher.
There are an estimated 7.5 million legal expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia and as many as 2 million more who are in the country without proper documentation. Mr Al Faqih said that 840,000 expatriates had left the kingdom over the past year and a half, mostly voluntarily. He added that 200,000 foreigners had recently been deported.
A crackdown on labourers sparked widespread panic when it began late last month. On April 7, Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud offered a three-month amnesty for illegal workers.
"The Royal Order came to correct the conditions of employment violation, and is a good opportunity for those who want to correct their situation, as well as an opportunity for [business] owners," Mr Faqih said, according to a transcript of the conversation on MBC's website.
edickinson@thenational.ae
*With additional reporting from Reuters
Going grey? A stylist's advice
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
Company%20Profile
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TICKETS
Tickets start at Dh100 for adults, while children can enter free on the opening day. For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.
Moonfall
Director: Rolan Emmerich
Stars: Patrick Wilson, Halle Berry
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8
Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm
Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km
Price: Dh380,000
On sale: now
Results:
5pm: Maiden (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,200 metres
Winner: Jabalini, Szczepan Mazur (jockey), Younis Kalbani (trainer)
5.30pm: UAE Arabian Derby (PA) | Prestige | Dh150,000 | 2,200m
Winner: Octave, Gerald Avranche, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round 3 (PA) | Group 3 Dh300,000 | 2,200m
Winner: Harrab, Richard Mullen, Mohamed Ali
6.30pm: Emirates Championship (PA) | Group 1 | Dh1million | 2,200m
Winner: BF Mughader, Szczepan Mazur, Younis Al Kalbani
7pm: Abu Dhabi Championship (TB) | Group 3 | Dh380,000 | 2,200m
Winner: GM Hopkins, Patrick Cosgrave, Jaber Ramadhan
7.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) | Conditions | Dh70,000 | 1,600m
Winner: AF La’Asae, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company%20Profile
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Take Me Apart
Kelela
(Warp)
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
UAE%20SQUAD
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Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
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