Visually impaired graduates here are not getting jobs at schools under the Ministry of Education because of “impossible conditions” required, according to a graduate with a visual disability.

Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, who was reportedly speaking on behalf of graduates recently, claimed: “One impossible condition is that the applicant is a holder of a bachelor’s degree in visual impairment, but not one Saudi university offers this degree.”

He said several graduates had sent in their applications three years ago. Al-Ghamdi said the graduates have complained to the Minister of Education Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, and appealed for help.

“We briefed the education minister about the situation and how the school affairs department is imposing impossible conditions on us,” said Al-Ghamdi.

He said the department recently announced several vacancies.

“This year it announced the availability of 18 teaching jobs for visual impairment, but much more positions are needed.”

Al-Ghamdi, a sociology graduate from King Abdulaziz University, who also holds a diploma in education, said the department has now twice sought applicants with degrees not offered by any Saudi university.

“It is wrong for the department to do this because there are no applicants who hold a degree in the specialty announced,” he said.

He said there are many qualified visually impaired people who can take up jobs in the education sector at institutions providing training for people with such disabilities.

Instead, the ministry has employed those holding general education diplomas, others without specialty degrees, and under-qualified people with special education diplomas, he claimed.