KSA to allow expatriate workers’ spouses to work

The higher authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have approved granting the authority to the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development to employ companions of the expatriate workers.

Expatriates’ husbands or wives who are accompanying them in the Kingdom as well as a mahram (close blood relative) of expatriate working women will be allowed to be hired under certain conditions, reports the Saudi Gazette.

The new move is part of the expansion of economic activities and professions in the Kingdom.

The higher authorities accorded the approval after examining a report prepared by the Ministry on the impact of implementing the policy of allowing work by male and female companions of the expatriate workers in the Kingdom.

According to the conditions for employing companions, they shall be qualified in various specializations and fields required for the job.

Their appointment shall be an alternative to recruitment of actually required job vacancy and that will be compatible with the terms and conditions of the Nitaqat Saudization program.

In addition to this, the employer of the companion shall fulfill all the conditions for recruitment, as well as for practicing the profession.

The companions must have passed the qualifying tests prescribed for practicing the profession in the Kingdom in accordance with the government requirements.

Foreigners to be allowed to buy property

Saudi Arabia is planning new laws which will allow foreigners to buy property anywhere in the Kingdom, according to a report by the Saudi Gazette.

Abdullah Alhammad, CEO of the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) said that a new law is under review is under development and will allow non-Saudi nationals to own property in all parts of the Kingdom, including Makkah and Madinah.

The major property rule updates will cover residential as well as commercial property.