The Ministry of Labor is studying a proposal to penalize beneficiaries of the Hafiz Unemployment Aid Program who turn down suitable job offers, said a senior source at the ministry. He added that Saudis will only qualify for the aid if they meet certain criteria. Those who quit their jobs to get the SR2,000 a month Hafiz aid should wait for three months after the last day of their job before applying, the source said. Applicants who find good jobs will no longer be eligible for Hafiz aid and the ministry will stop paying them. However, if they lose their jobs, they can reapply to get the payment, the source explained. “Those who have just graduated from schools and colleges have to wait for six months before they can apply to the Hafiz program and become eligible for the aid.” It is expected that the second Hafiz payment will soon be deposited in the bank accounts of beneficiaries. Meanwhile, Dr. Adel Fakieh, Minister of Labor, urged citizens to report lingerie and women's accessory shops that have not hired female Saudi workers. Violations can be reported by sending an email to [email protected]. On his Facebook page, Fakieh reiterated that the ministry wants to ensure that the decision is implemented. He said two-thirds of Hafiz beneficiaries are female Saudis. The minister added that the ministry recently held meetings in Riyadh where employers were able to meet young men and women looking for work. A total of over 5,000 jobs were identified at these meetings. Similar meetings will soon be held in Jeddah and Dammam, he said. __
