Al-Assaf said the king has issued an order in this regard.

King Abdullah ordered a 5 percent pay hike for government employees in January 2008 with an annual increase of five percent for a period of three years to help them beat inflationary pressures. The three-year period specified in that order will expire shortly.

Al-Assaf said the Ministry of Finance will continue the payout effective from Dec. 7, which corresponds to the beginning of new Hijra year.

Former government employees who have retired and receive pensions will also benefit from the order.

Owaid Al-Matrafi, a military pensioner, welcomed the move. “The order reflects the depth of the king’s concern, even when he is ill, for the welfare of citizens and his constant concern to help people who are affected by the rising price of essential items. The only thing we can do is pray for the king's quick recovery and his return to the country.”

King Abdullah is visiting the United States for medical tests. “Our hearts will be with our king wherever he goes,” Al-Matrafi said.

The five percent inflation allowance was part of a 17-point program announced by the government to alleviate the difficulties of citizens and foreign residents caused by rising inflation. More than 1.2 million government employees, including those in the military, benefited from the decision.