The Shoura Council has approved a once-off payment of SR734 million to Saudis employed as Mujahidoon fighters from 1968 to 2014.

The amount would be paid to the Public Pension Agency (PPA), which would then disburse cash to those who qualify, the Shoura decided at its 34th session, according to a report in a local publication recently.

The Ministry of Finance was asked to pay the money to the PPA, Assistant House Speaker Yahya bin Abdullah Al-Samaan told reporters after the session. He said the Shoura would also look at payments for those employed after 2014.

Mujahidoon forces stationed on the country’s borders have helped counter arms smuggling and human trafficking. They are known as the second line of defense and have extensive experience in tracking criminals and intruders, according to reports.

Meanwhile, the Shoura also took a decision to allow charities to run health facilities without having a full-time Saudi doctor in charge. This followed a discussion on a proposal presented by the Shoura’s health committee chairperson Abdullah Al-Otaibi, said Al-Samaan.

On other issues, the Shoura called for the allocation of land for building the headquarters and regional branches of the General Commission for Survey (GCS). It also urged the GCS to draw up training programs for its employees in coordination with universities locally and abroad.

In another development, the Shoura rejected a recommendation made by two members asking for the General Presidency of Youth Welfare (GPYW) to be changed into a ministry of youth and sports. The recommendation was proposed by Saud Al-Shammari and Mansour Al-Kiraidis, who argued that it would benefit the organization.