A Saudi Twitter page dedicated to posting job openings sparked controversy after uploading an ad announcing vacancies for Saudi cleaning ladies.
The ad was posted on Mehan Saudi's Twitter account early on Monday and has since gone viral.
The post sparked an intense backlash among Saudis, many of whom deemed it inappropriate, explaining that it is culturally unacceptable for nationals of the country to occupy such jobs.
Here's how the entire controversy played out online:
It all started when this job ad went viral...
"Needed: Cleaning ladies - nationality/Saudi - no need for experience. The job environment is mixed (males and females) - salary is 3500 riyals. Send your CV to apply for the opening."
Sparking a heated debate on Saudi Twitter
Given that in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, nationals are often hesitant and unwilling to work in certain types of jobs, including cleaning and waitressing, the ad caused quite the stir on social media.
While the majority of people were angered by the post, saying that it was insulting to Saudi women, a few saw nothing wrong with it.
Many tweeps also pointed out that the post comes just a week after Sami Zeidan, a Saudi Shura council member, said Saudis should start opening up to jobs in sectors previously seen as only suitable for expats.
Zeidan's comments sparked an intense backlash, even though they came at a time when the kingdom is >trying to nationalize several Saudi industries in a bid to >reduce its reliance on expats and tackle >rising unemployment rates among Saudis nationals.
Some were left shocked by the ad
"A cleaning lady and in a mixed work environment?"
Many were completely against Saudi women working as cleaners
"This is shameful, for them to mock Saudi women like this."
Others found the ad offensive
"This is an insult to Saudi women."
Some were outraged by it
"Shamelessness."
Tweeps reported the tweet to the Saudi Ministry of Labor
"Is this what things have come to, Ministry of Labor?"
A few felt there was more behind the post
"The Saudi Ministry of Labor forces companies to advertise all jobs to Saudis. When openings are rejected by nationals over a specific period of time, they're then allowed to hire foreign workers. This is why this ad was posted in the first place."
Not everyone was against the idea though
"There's nothing wrong with working this job. There are so many people who have absolutely no problem with it."
Many said they would take such jobs if they were actually open to them
"I would accept to work as a cleaning lady but where?! I've been looking for jobs for years and I wasn't called back for anything."
Because what's so wrong with this job? Nothing.
"Why are you so upset over this? How is this job haram (unacceptable)?"