The Council of Saudi Chambers has presented a proposal to the Labor Ministry to allow companies to borrow workers from other firms in a bid to ensure smooth execution of public and private projects.

The Industry and Trade Committee at the CSC made the proposal after it observed the difficulties faced by contracting companies and other firms to complete projects, especially following the expulsion of thousands of illegals.

Most companies in the contracting, transport, construction and maintenance sectors have been making use of illegal workers to carry out work. The ongoing campaign against illegals has affected work in most such firms.

The CSC suggested that the borrowing of workers be based on a specific agreement, specifying the work scope, the city where the workers will deploy, salary and working hours.

The agreement, which covers holidays and an allowance for moving from one city to another, shall protect the rights of workers.

Saeed Al-Bassami, vice chairman of the National Transport Committee, said the proposal was made after conducting detailed studies on various aspects. “This will help the private sector get out of the present crisis.”

He expressed fear that the shortage of workers would lead to a price rise of goods and services.

“The transport sector is one of the worst affected by the shortage of workers,” Al-Bassami said.

He said charges to transport goods from ports to warehouses and to various cities have increased by 50 to 100 percent.

Siddeek Ahmed, CMD of Eram Group, called upon the government to adopt quick measures to boost investor confidence in the market. He said many companies have already begun borrowing workers from other firms with the permission of the Labor Ministry.

Ahmed believed that the supply of manpower through newly licensed recruitment companies would solve the shortage of workers.

The Sharqiya Recruitment Company is licensed to supply 250,000 workers, he added.