Abdullah Al-Qahtani

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

ABHA – Labor Ministry’s new move of linking the issuance of visa for all medical categories to the non-availability of qualified Saudis in the respective fields has resulted in creating job opportunities for over 300 citizens in the private sector within three months, according to sources at the ministry. Hiring Saudis will be given priority before issuing new visas or renewal of iqama (residency permit) or transfer of sponsorship for all categories in the health sector, the sources said. The Human Resources Development Fund had endorsed the new regulations issued by the ministry in this regard. “More than 220 Saudi nurses, 50 laboratory technicians and 30 pharmacists have been appointed over the three month period with a minimum monthly salary of SR5,000, thanks to the new regulations,” the sources said.