JEDDAH, 26 November — A number of imams (those who lead prayers) and muezzins (callers for prayers) at mosques in Eastern Province have been given notices of termination for violating rules and regulations. Saif ibn Ibrahim Al-Saif, director of the Islamic Ministry’s office in the province, told Al-Watan daily that the imams and muezzins lost their jobs for appointing others, including expatriates, to fill in for them for a nominal fee. "There is a special committee to monitor such violations and take action," Al-Saif told the Arabic paper. The violators are given a warning before punitive measures are taken against them, he added. The ministry has noticed that some imams and muezzins appoint expatriates, including overstayers, to do their jobs for a monthly fee of SR500. The ministry pays the imams and muezzins SR1,500. Al-Saif urged imams and muezzins to follow the rules and regulations to avoid punishment.