RIYADH — The Ministry of Labor and Social Development has reported there are more than 50,000 available jobs that will allow women to work from a distance, Al-Madinah newspaper reported on Sunday. Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Development Abdulmunim Al-Shihry said the ministry is working on a program to provide over 50,000 job positions for women seeking a job that allows them to work from the comfort of their home and does not restrict them to an office. "There are over 100 private companies who have outsourcing jobs to offer in various parts of the Kingdom. The ministry also aims to encourage women to take on part-time jobs by giving them incentives," said Al-Shihry. He added the distance jobs program is part of the feminization program, which encourages more women to be a part of the Saudi labor market. "One of the biggest obstacles to feminizing the private and public sectors is providing a suitable work environment. A suitable environment for women includes appurtenant facilities and services such as a daycare, separate restrooms, a transportation service and security. The Ministry of Labor and Social Development is working with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs to build the necessary facilities in work places before opening the door for women employment, " said Al-Shihry. He said working from a distance helps overcome the obstacles in the work environment and encouraged housewives and women from all educational backgrounds to seek distance employment. "The program will be launched in two months. So far around 2,000 women are employed part-time in outsourcing jobs. Their salaries range from SR3,000 to SR9,000. The program will be implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Civil Service, Ministry of Commerce and Investment and the Saudi Commission of Communication. The Ministry of Labor and Social Development is now working on building the infrastructure of the program," said Al-Shihry. He also said the program aims to reach out to women living in rural areas or small towns as they have fewer opportunities for employment. "We already have seven centers for distance employment in Qassim, Hail, Jazan, Madinah, Najran and Al-Ahsa. Another center will soon open in Tabuk. We will also launch a portal for the program," said Al-Shihry.
