AL-KHOBAR — The Ministry of Labor has discussed discrimination against employees with disabilities in the workplace, Makkah newspaper reported. Mirvat Tashkandi, a consultant to the labor minister, said the ministry is moving toward integrating individuals with physical and mental disabilities into the job market. "Before setting any new regulations with regard to individuals with physical and mental disabilities, the ministry must ensure that its requirements are realistic and fair to all parties. The ministry does not have enough employers who believe in employing individuals with physical and mental disabilities," said Tashkandi. She said the job market is already taking a stance of not being flexible enough to include individuals with disabilities. "We must look into the rights of individuals with physical and mental disabilities and the rights of employers as business owners who are out to profit in a competitive market. Before forcing employers to accommodate to the needs of individuals with disabilities, we must raise the social awareness on the rights of such individuals," said Tashkandi. She also said the workplace should be equipped for individuals with physical and mental disabilities. "There are not many highly skilled individuals with physical and mental disabilities who can add great value to a company. Currently, employers feel as if they are taking a risk by employing individuals with physical and mental disabilities," said Tashkandi. She said employing individuals with physical and mental disabilities out of pity is not what the ministry aims for. "The contracts between employers and job seekers who are disabled must abide by the Labor Law with no exception. The minimum wage set by the ministry applies to employees with physical and mental disabilities and required work hours also apply to them," said Tashkandi.
