The decision was taken at the 74th session of the Shoura Council held under the chairmanship of the council's President Abdullah Al-Asheikh, when the Ministry of Social Affairs’ annual report was discussed in the house.

Observations of the report were submitted to the house by the council's committee on social affairs, family and youth.

According to Shoura Council Secretary-General Muhammad Al-Ghamdi, the majority of members endorsed the Ministry of Social Affairs’ recommendation to develop its resources so it could expand its services in areas where they are not currently available.

The council also affirmed the ministry's move to sign an agreement between the Saudi Credit and Savings Bank and the National Social Charity Fund that would help disburse loans for self-help projects for the needy.

This Ministry of Social Affairs is responsible for social insurance, social care and development. It has charities and co-operative societies as well as social research in its jurisdiction.

In line with the Kingdom's Islamic foundations, the ministry is charged with ensuring that less fortunate citizens are cared for. Throughout the Kingdom, facilities for the disabled and those needing rehabilitation have been established.

Commenting on the new surplus budget recently, Labor Minister Adel Fakeih thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for allocating SR168 billion for education and manpower training, saying it would support his ministry’s efforts to employ more Saudis in the public and private sectors and reduce unemployment. “The payment of unemployment allowance and the introduction of the Nitaqat system and Hafiz employment program have improved the conditions of Saudi jobseekers,” Fakeih said.