Female private sector employees in Madinah, Saudi Arabia are suggesting they are being exploited and made to do tasks outside of the contractual obligations. However, due to the fear of losing their jobs and income, those working in cosmetic and perfume shops are hesitant to make complaints.

Despite the Ministry of Labor opening its doors to receive complaints, few women speak out about being overworked, with many suggesting they are being made to carry out manual labour tasks such as cleaning shops and loading shipment and supplies. Indeed the feminisation of shops in the area is a culturally sensitive issue, therefore affording the Ministry of Labor great responsibility in monitoring performance ensuring the application of provisions of the Saudization programs, with a focus on female employees.

Tayseer Al-Mofrej, Ministry of Labour, said in a recent statement, “The employer and employee must commit to the articles stated in the employment contract, and in case any duties outside the agreed upon contract have not been compensated, the employee has the right to make a complaint to the labour office.

“The overburdening of employees in the private sector is not new, as many have suffered from such issues due to ignorance about their rights and unfair work burdens imposed by employers without compensation.”
It is said that cases have been accumulating Offices for the Settlement of Labor Disputes due to their being poor capabilities and mechanisms required for overseeing and implementing decisions.