RIYADH: The Ministry of Commerce and Investment (MCI) was gearing up Monday for inspection as the deadline for 50 percent Saudization in the telecom sector ended on the 1st of Ramadan. By Sept. 3, the sector should be fully nationalized.
The MCI said joint operations would be conducted in coordination with the ministries of labor and social development, municipal and rural affairs and telecommunications & information technology.
An MCI official said the ministry will implement intensive inspection campaigns on stores selling and maintaining mobile phones in various regions of the Kingdom.
Business establishments not complying with the rule will face penalties under the provisions of the Anti-Commercial Concealment Law.
Anyone found guilty of commercial concealment will be jailed for two years and fined SR1 million, whether citizen or expatriate. Expatriates will be deported after the end of the prison term. Also, such a shop will be closed and the convict will not be allowed to do the same business for five years.
Meanwhile, the MCI said the Authority of Small & Medium Enterprises supports entrepreneurs in the telecommunication sector to achieve the strategic vision in supporting the private sector.
Nationalization of the mobile sector aims at creating job opportunities for male and female Saudis, who wish to work in this field.
Deadline for 50% Saudization in mobile phone sector ends
Deadline for 50% Saudization in mobile phone sector ends
