Saudi Gazette report

Riyadh — Minister of Labor and Social Development Dr. Ali Al-Ghafees issued a ministerial decision early Monday restricting work in outlets of 12 activities and occupations to Saudis starting from the beginning of the next Hijri year.

The 12 work areas banned for expats are: watch shops, optical stores, medical equipment stores, electrical and electronics shops, outlets selling car spare part, building material shops, outlets selling all types of carpets, automobile and mobike shops, shops selling home furniture and ready-made office material, sale outlets of ready-made garments, children clothes and men’s supplies, household utensils shops and pastry shops.

Ministry spokesman Khaled Aba Al-Khail said the decision does not affect the memorandums of understanding signed with various regional governorates to restrict jobs to Saudis. He also said that the shop feminization will continue as planned. The third phase of the feminization of women accessory shops began last October.

It targets shops selling ladies perfumes, shoes, bags, stockings and ready-made garments.

Kiosks selling women accessories will also be fully feminized in addition to sections in malls and supermarkets which sell clothes and other women accessories. The phase also includes independent small shops which sell wedding dresses, abayas, garments, child-care and other accessories.

Pharmacies in malls which sell cosmetics and make-up accessories will also be feminized.