The government will remain tough on illegal employment, said Deputy Riyadh Gov. Prince Turki bin Abdullah on Sunday.

“Establishments that employ expats in violation of the Kingdom’s labor laws will be severely punished,” he said.

Prince Turki said the government would no longer tolerate malpractice in the labor market. He was speaking at a meeting with reporters following the inauguration of an exhibition to promote female employment.

“Labor law violators who dare to embark on illegal employment will be punished. We will not show any leniency in this matter; the campaign will continue to track down illegal workers,” the prince said, urging Saudis to cooperate with authorities in their campaign.

Meanwhile, the Labor Ministry announced it would deploy its inspectors for the first time at the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa to arrest illegal workers during the Haj season. The ministry will also have an office at the holy sites.

Prince Turki highlighted Saudi women’s achievements, saying they have held positions at the UN and other international platforms. The number of Saudi women in the private sector rose from 50,000 to more than 450,000 during the last five years.

The deputy governor also warned those who exploit women’s CVs, saying they would face legal action.

Ibrahim Al-Muaiqel, director of the Human Resource Development Fund, said 83 companies are taking part in the exhibition, offering quality jobs to women. There is a special program to help women develop their skills to write CVs, face interviews, put up job applications and find jobs.

Badr Almotawa, a Saudi analyst, emphasized the need to create more jobs for Saudi women and urged the public and private sectors to set up separate working centers for them to protect their dignity and honor.

“Saudi Arabia should set an example in safeguarding female workers,” he told Arab News. He said such working centers would contribute to protecting families from falling apart.