RIYADH, 7 November — Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, has approved a grace period of six months for shifting the responsibility of foreign labor recruitment from the Interior Ministry to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
The approval came in response to a request by Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Dr. Ali Al-Namlah for time to coordinate with the Interior Ministry and provide the service to the public without hassle.
"Your request for a six-month grace period to reorganize the functioning of your ministry in coordination with the Interior Ministry has been granted," Prince Abdullah said in a cable sent to Al-Namlah.
Prince Abdullah announced the decision to shift the responsibility of foreign manpower recruitment from the Interior Ministry to the Labor Ministry following a regular meeting of the Council of Ministers late last month.
He also announced the decision to slap a ban on foreigners driving taxis in the Kingdom. The move was aimed at creating jobs for unemployed Saudis.
In another order, the crown prince said the authorities would no longer consider applications from businessmen for group visas for Haj, Umrah or visit. "No group visas for Haj, Umrah or visit will be issued in response to applications by businessmen or any other individual," Prince Abdullah said.
As per the new system, the Labor Ministry will be solely responsible for issuance of labor visas for foreigners to work with government departments, commercial establishments, companies and individuals.
Seasonal recruitment of workers also comes under the Labor Ministry. The crown prince has instructed the Labor Ministry to issue visas only to meet the actual needs of the country.
Meanwhile, Prince Abdullah received a number of ministers and groups of citizens who came to greet him on the advent of the holy month Ramadan.
He also received commanders and senior officers of the National Guard led by Prince Miteb ibn Abdullah, assistant deputy commander for military affairs of the National Guard.
