Speaking to Arab News, a number of orphans accused the society of neglecting them and punishing any of them who dared to complain. They said there was only one supervisor per 30 orphans.

They also said though some of them had reached the age of puberty, the society did not issue them with identity cards and so they were not able to continue their education or seek employment.

In a statement to Arab News, the society denied these allegations and said in order to integrate orphans into society and make them independent, the society had acquired apartments in various parts of Jeddah for those who are 22 and above.

Undersigned by the society's Chairman Mazen bin Muhammad Batterjee, the statement said the independent housing project for men started with 18 apartments that are at present accommodating 94 young orphans.

“The society is supervising them and following up on their education, training and qualifications to become good citizens,” the statement said.

It said each apartment consists of two to four bedrooms to accommodate four to six male orphans.

“When a male orphan reaches the age of 22 or has gotten a job in the public or private sector or joined university or college, he will be transferred from the shelter homes and orphanages to these apartments,” the statement said.

According to Batterjee, each apartment costs about SR800,000, including annual rent, furniture, maintenance, water and electricity bills and pocket money for the orphans.

He said the initiative lasts for three years until the orphans have the self-confidence to become independent and good citizens.

The orphans commended the project especially as it has helped them to become independent, Batterjee said, adding that they are now leading a normal life, including cooking, cleaning and maintenance. He said the society also provides each of them with a SR15,000 grant to help buy a car.