Labour Minister Ghazi Al-Gosaibi announced recently that restrictions on the transfer of sponsorship for expatriate workers would be relaxed from October 28, but in order to avail the new facility, a worker should complete at least one year with his present employer.
Currently, it is easier to hire expatriate workers from other companies but much depends on the sponsor.
Under the new rule, some workers are exempted from the one-year condition. They include those who were working for a company that was sold as well as workers of contracting companies that lose their government contracts.
The new rule bars recruitment of foreigners for jobs reserved for Saudis. Accordingly, 56 job categories including the positions of administrative managers and their assistants, procurement mangers, secretaries, car showroom salesmen and public relations jobs are off-limits to expatriates, the Arab news said.