Kingdom Delays Plans to Replace Salesmen in Lingerie Shops

JEDDAH, 15 May 2006 - Saudi Arabia has postponed plans to replace salesmen in lingerie shops, saying it wants to give outlets more time to prepare for the move. The government, which wants more women to work as part of its efforts to reduce reliance on foreign labor, took the decision last June and businesses were given a year to prepare for implementation.

"Based on pleas by shop owners ... that they were unable to comply with the deadline, the ministry's decision is postponed until all the required preparations are finalized," the Saudi Press Agency said quoting a statement by Labor Minister Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi.

The ministry had stated earlier that the decision regarding lingerie shops would be implemented in two phases. In the first phase that begins on June 18, jobs in shops along the streets, central markets and major shopping centers will be restricted to Saudi women. In the second phase set to begin a year later, sales jobs in shops selling abayas and women's readymade dresses will be restricted to Saudi women.

The minister said the decision to restrict jobs in lingerie shops to Saudi women was taken to increase job opportunities for Saudi women who wanted to work in order to contribute to the support of their families. "Creating jobs for women is not a new thing. It started 25 years ago when the Manpower Council was established," Al-Gosaibi said.