RIYADH, 25 August 2007 — Labor Minister Ghazi Al-Gosaibi denied yesterday the recent reports that his ministry had plans to employ Saudi women in the domestic service sector to replace expatriate housekeepers. The minister said, however, that some poor families had contacted the ministry saying that they had unemployed young women without academic qualifications who wanted to work as part-time domestic helpers. They requested the help of the ministry in finding them jobs. Most of these families do not have breadwinners because of death or divorce. The ministry’s employment strategy was to implement the decisions of higher authorities in the matter, the Saudi Press Agency quoted the minister as saying.
Mattel Withdrawing Dangerous Toys
RIYADH, 25 August 2007 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced yesterday that the toy maker Mattel Europe informed the ministry that the company was withdrawing stocks of its toys that do not fulfill the Saudi safety standards from the local market. The company and its dealer in the Kingdom will take back the toys from retail outlets and consumers with the help of media announcements. The Saudi dealer has already withdrawn 2,300 pieces from retailers. The ministry had earlier found that some of the toys of Mattel made in China contained lead and loose magnets that posed a hazard to children.
Woman’s Body Found on Sidewalk
JEDDAH, 25 August 2007 — A woman’s body was found lying on a sidewalk in the Al-Harman district of Jeddah Wednesday night. The body, which had been placed on a sidewalk and covered with a black abaya, was found by a group of children out picnicking in the area. The woman is thought to be of a Far Eastern nationality. The children’s father informed local police. “We don’t want to jump to conclusions,” said a police spokesman. “We have had similar cases in the past where overstayers dump bodies of fellow overstaying friends and relatives, who may have died naturally. They do this to avoid legal consequences of reporting the death to the authorities,” said the spokesman.
Family Complains of HIV-Positive Maid
JUBAIL, 25 August 2007 — A family in Jubail has complained to the placement agency that provided them with a maid after learning that she is HIV-positive, the daily Al-Yaum reported. The family learned about the woman’s condition when she took a blood test for the renewal of her residence permit. According to the family the agency refuses to take the maid back and exchange her for a new one.
