RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- The Saudi Labor Ministry plans to secure jobs for 200,000 Saudi women within the next six months as part of a national drive to replace foreigners with locals.
A ministry source said Tuesday that certain jobs allocated for women would be "Saudized," or taken over by Saudi nationals, including receptionists in female outlets, workers in female workshops and ateliers, diet centers, nurseries, secretarial jobs and estheticians.
"The Saudization of these jobs will take place in phases after the candidates submit to training sessions financed and organized by the Fund for the Development of Human Resources," the source said.
He said some 200,000 women are expected to benefit from that process.
Saudi women, who have long been banned from employment under the strict rules of the Muslim conservative kingdom, can now apply for certain jobs allocated for them.
