JEDDAH: An Egyptian businessman who has been living in Saudi Arabia for the last 35 years paid SR1.5 million to obtain Saudi nationality only to find himself embezzled of the cash, a local daily reported yesterday, quoting police sources. The report said the Egyptian paid the amount to some people who promised to secure the nationality for him and his family. He reached a SR2 million deal with them. When nothing happened in six months, he took the matter to the police who were able to catch one of the gang members.
Increased social security benefits
RIYADH: The Ministry of Social Affairs will consider in its next meeting in Abha the inclusion of the siblings of Saudi widows and divorcees in the social security system, said Minister of Social Affairs Yousuf Al-Othaimeen. A Justice Ministry represen-tative will attend the meeting, he said. Asked about plans announced by the ministry to pay the water and electricity bills of poor Saudi families, the minister said he would meet Electricity and Water Minister Abdullah Al-Hussayen early next week to discuss the issue. Al-Othaimeen said the ministry was considering a number of steps to alleviate poverty, including a 100 percent increase in social security payments.
30 dengue fever cases in Jeddah
JEDDAH: Around 30 new cases of dengue fever were discovered in Jeddah last week, according to the Ministry of Health. The ministry said 62 cases were reported a couple of weeks ago and that the 50 percent drop was thanks to health awareness campaigns and the continuous combating of mosquitoes, Al-Madinah newspaper reported. In 2006, 1,308 cases were reported, which came down to 243 last year.
