Manama (Bahrain), May 31 (ANI): Saudi Arabia will not renew the work permits of foreign workers who have spent over six years in the country in an effort to create jobs for nationals, the country's labour minister Adel Fakieh has said.
"The current situation calls for strong cooperation between the government and the private sector in solving the problem of unemployment with hundreds of thousands looking for work," the Al Hayat quoted Adel Fakieh as saying.
Fakieh did not reveal as to when the decision would be implemented or whether it would apply to all foreign workers or to specific jobs.
The move is part of a 10-point programme aiming at increasing the recruitment of citizens in the private sector jobs to reduce unemployment.
Fakieh also said private companies will be given a five-month grace period to ensure their regulation following the announcement.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) labour ministers have been instrumental in pushing the scheme forward.
The business communities in Saudi Arabia have so far resisted attempts to change the labour market status- quo.
Several analysts have voiced concern about the imposition of a cap, claiming that it would adversely affect the free economy where supply and demand forces determine market decisions.
Bahrain business analyst Mohammad Bukannan said the decision should not apply to skilled labourers, as they are an asset to the Gulf countries. (ANI)
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