JEDDAH, 6 July 2004 — Saudi Arabia yesterday reiterated its hope that the power transfer in Iraq will pave the way for stability and enable the country to embark on reconstruction.
The weekly Cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince Abdullah said economic and political reconstruction would allow Iraq to become part of the Arab, Islamic and international mainstream.
The Council of Ministers which met in Jeddah also reviewed the discussions between Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd and Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi on issues of bilateral and international concern, in particular the Palestinian cause and Iraqi situation.
Dr. Ali Al-Namlah, minister of social affairs and acting minister of culture and information, told the Saudi Press Agency the crown prince stressed the deep roots of relations between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.
Prince Abdullah added the two countries were keen to further develop ties for the benefit of their two peoples, according to Al-Namlah.
The Cabinet was also briefed on contacts between King Fahd and world leaders and diplomats on regional and international issues.
Al-Namlah said Prince Abdullah called for international efforts to put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people and force Israel to end its repressive policies in the occupied territories.
The Cabinet gave the green light to the new intellectual property law covering industrial products, passed a law regulating electricity services and approved a number of bilateral agreements with some countries.
Meanwhile, the Shoura Council approved regulations governing short-term work permits for foreign workers. Visas valid for a maximum of six months will cast SR1,000, with 50 percent of the amount going to the Manpower Development Fund.
The law allows foreign workers to be hired for temporary or seasonal work, such as during Haj, or for jobs without sufficient Saudi applicants.
The visa will be non-renewable and cannot be upgraded to a permanent visa.
The Ministry of Labor will issue the temporary and seasonal visas to employers who can show sufficient grounds for hiring temporary staff, compelling them to ensure workers leave the Kingdom at the end of their term. The regulations hold the employer responsible for any violation.
