Yemeni women with ‘visitor’s card’ allowed to work in Saudi Arabia

Yemeni women who have corrected their status as per an amnesty can work during the six months of their legal stay in the Kingdom, Ministry of Labor spokesman Tayseer Al-Mofarej was quoted as saying by Al-Watan Arabic daily on Saturday.

“They are allowed to join any sector and occupy any job except for 16 occupations restricted to Saudi men and women such as jobs in the health, educational and engineering sectors which require the permission of specialized Saudi commissions like the National Society for Engineers,” said Al-Mofarej.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman issued a royal order to help all illegal Yemenis who have been residing in the Kingdom before April 9 obtain papers to stay and work in the country legally.

Under the correction procedures, each Yemeni will be issued with a six-month renewable “visitor’s card” that will enable its holder to take jobs in the private sector.

Jazan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Head Ahmad Al-Qunfudhi said the decision to allow Yemenis to work will help the Saudi economy.

“There are plenty of opportunities for Yemenis in the Kingdom. They can work in the service sector, building and construction sector and the agricultural sectors.

The decision will enhance the industrial and livestock production in the Kingdom,” said Al-Qunfudhi. “Women can work in beauty salons, retail businesses, shopping centers and women restaurants,” he said.