The fines in accordance with law that imposes shops that sell clothes and underwear or cosmetics for women to have only female staff. The inspections also check the status of foreign workers.

Riyadh (AsiaNews / Agencies ) - A failure to comply with laws on " feminization " has led to the closure of 514 Saudi women's clothing stores.

The penalty is a result of a royal decree last year that included a complete ban on men working in lingerie and cosmetics shops, imposing their gradual replacement with female staff. After a transition period, in July, the Ministry for the inspections and the development of the working environment ruled these shops must hire women only. The reasons given included the fight against female unemployment and King Abdullah's decision of was seen as a sign of equality with men. "The ministry - had been announced - will take immediate action against those who attempt to circumvent the measure, the activity will be reported with the possibility of revocation of their trading license".

The deputy- minister, Abdullah Abu Thunain , announced yesterday that between July and November 1173 shops incurred penalties, of these 403 promised to fully comply with the law and 514 were ordered to close .

Abu Thunain stated that the national inspection campaign will continue and will cover both women's retail and wholesale clothing stores. "The inspectors will also check whether foreign workers in these stores are violating the rules of residence and work ."

The minister also invited citizens to report any violations via e-mail ,  .

 

 

• saudi
• arabia
• feminization
• clothing
• stores
• law
• fine
• penalty