Saudi Arabia wants to ban foreign workers in grocery shops

This will create 20,000 jobs for Saudis in the first year.
Source: Pexels

Jobs at grocery stores will soon become 100 percent 'Saudized,' according to a draft decision being prepared by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD).

The draft seeks to ban non-Saudis from working in grocery stores, confectionery shops and those selling supply and consumer goods, according to local daily Al-Madina, which quotes sources from the ministry.

This comes in line with the kingdom's plans to boost employment among the kingdom's local population, especially in the private sector. 

The ministry's decision will see jobs in all shops selling consumers goods become exclusive to Saudi nationals. 

The restrictions are expected to create 20,000 job opportunities for Saudis during the first year of implementation. 

According to the Saudi Gazette, the Shura Council, the kingdom's Consultative Assembly, recently asked the Ministry of Labor and Social Development and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs to shut down small supply stores and restrict retail licenses to large-scale stores capable of employing large numbers of Saudi employees.

The ministry is also considering to limit roles in food and drink mobile vans, as well as car rental offices, to Saudis, opening up additional jobs for locals.

Saudization efforts in full force

The kingdom has been intensifying its efforts to boost employment opportunities for Saudi nationals under the kingdom's new vision 2030. 

The ambitious blueprint aims to fight unemployment, develop non-oil industries, support small and medium enterprises, and create a broader investment base in the kingdom.

Aiming at boosting employment among the kingdom's local population, especially in the private sector, and cutting down unemployment rates from 11.6 percent to 7 percent, the kingdom has been restricting job opportunities available to expatriates. 

Under the job nationalization (Saudization) plan, Saudi Arabia blocked foreigners from working in shopping malls earlier this year.

In May, the kingdom's Ministry of Civil Service asked all ministries and government departments to terminate all contracts with expatriate workers within three years.

Consequently, 670,000 expats are expected to leave the kingdom by 2020, according to a report published by Banque Saudi Fransi earlier this month

Are Rihanna and her Saudi boyfriend pregnant?

Rumors are circulating online.

Fans went a little crazy at the end of June when it was revealed that Rihanna had been getting close and comfy in a swimming pool with Saudi businessman Hassan Jameel.

Now, rumors are circulating online that the 29-year-old celebrity from Barbados and her Saudi boo could be pregnant.

Of course, these are just rumors and nothing has been confirmed. Speculation from fans has been fueled by what Queen Riri wore at the premiere of her latest film, Valerian.

Many were quick to note the cut of the elegant flowing red dress, while also suggesting that Rihanna appears to have gained weight. Apparently, some thought these two things combined were conclusive enough evidence to confirm the star's pregnancy.

Some are convinced

Some weren't sure what to think

People quickly made the connection to Jameel

Jameel feeds her well ... or got her pregnant

"No games"

Honestly though, it's just a dress everyone. And as Revelist pointed out, suggesting someone has gained weight or that they look pregnant because of what they wear is actually a form of body shaming.

But of course, if by chance Rihanna and Jameel are actually pregnant, we'll be the first to say "alf mabrouk!"