Saudisation: Strict inspection goes on as shops shutdown
text_fields
Riyadh: Shops in many cities and villages of Saudi Arabia remained closed for a second day on Wednesday as comprehensive 'Saudisation' is on in the trade sector of the country.
Textiles, footwear, vehicles, furniture, utensils and similar sectors were enlisted among the nationalised category from September 11. The move has turned out to be a serious blow for the medium level traders. The number of Indians affected by the move will be in lakhs including a large section of Keralites. Most of them are deprived of options other than to close the shops and leave the country. As the law is enforced, labour ministry and security agencies have started joint inspection operations.
The officials have warned that the violators will be levied with a fine of SAR 20,000 to 25,000. Fearing the consequences, most of the shops remained closed for the second day after the law came into force.
However, inspection has not started in Mecca and Medina regions. It is assumed that inspection will begin here after Hajj pilgrims return. Shops are running normally in these regions.
In Sharafiyya, Jeddah, an important trading region of Keralites, and Balad, main visiting centers of hajj pilgrims are seen less affected.
The Saudisation has been declared with an aim of five lakh jobs for the locals. Simultaneous to the first phase of Saudi-isation, the royal government has announced training and financial aid for the locals in different sectors including textile sector. The Saudi Human Resource Development Fund released a notification in this regard on Tuesday.
The government has indicated that Saudi-isation will not be a mere declaration as the move is a part of the Saudi Vision 2030. Taking a cognizance of the situation, Saudi sponsors are asking other nationals to leave the country.
The textile sector of the country was mostly dominated by Keralites. Thousands are working in uniform clothes sector alone. Uniform for schools, factories, hospitals and others are stitched by Keralites working here. Such centers have been closed after the inspections started. Keralites used to be a visible group in readymade and footwear sector too.