RIYADH: The Ministry of Labor (MoL) shut down online services of 12,256 firms last year due to their failure to comply with the labor market guidelines.

"The MoL stopped computer services of 12,256 firms after the labor inspectors found them working in a way contrary to the system during routine inspection conducted during last year as per the Islamic calendar," an MoL spokesman said Wednesday.

The official added that these online service providers were found involved in several irregularities during the surprise visits aimed at ensuring promulgation of labor market norms.

The MoL, by conducting these inspections, seeks to achieve fair competition and encourage the investors in the sector through detecting norms violators and protecting the committed investors at the same time.

"As the MoL is committed to ensure that all firms operating in the Kingdom comply with the labor law of the land, these inspections were carried out in continuation of the efforts of the ministry to streamline the labor market as well as ensure protection to business owners, who are committed to work as per the guidelines," the official noted.