100% telecom Saudization starts

RIYADH: The Ministry of Commerce and Investment on Thursday announced its readiness to participate in the second stage of nationalization of the telecom sector through the inspection of outlets from Friday.
An official from the ministry said that this action is in implementation of the ministerial decision that limits workers in the telecommunications and their accessories sectors to Saudi citizens only.
The official said the inspection campaigns are efforts of cooperation and coordination among many government agencies such as the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, and the Telecommunication and Information Technology Ministry.
“This collaboration aims to verify the business enterprises committing to the regulations in the sector, to develop appropriate and adequate career opportunities for the national manpower.”
In addition to inspecting the shops, the efforts will also focus on combating commercial concealment. He stressed that there will be no tolerance in applying the sanctions on those who violate the law, which can be a prison sentence for two years and a SR1 million fine, irrespective the nationality of the violator.
Foreigners will be deported after the end of their sentence, and they will be prevented from entering the Kingdom for business in the future. In addition, there will be an announcement of the violators’ names in the media, closing the shop, and preventing the trader from practicing the same business for five years.
By implementing the nationalization of the telecom sector’s decision, the Ministry of Commerce and Investment, represented in the SME body, is supporting entrepreneurs in this area to achieve the strategic vision in supporting the private sector.
The nationalization decision aims to create more job opportunities for Saudi citizens, both men and women, who wish to work in this sector for financial returns and job stability, and also to maintain the professions of this sector for their security, social and economic importance.