Saudi Arabia passes new rule to staff women in cosmetics, perfume shops

The Saudi Arabia government has decided to staff only women in cosmetics and perfume shops from June 30 in the region.

The Ministry of Labor development assistant secretary Fahd Al-Tikhaifi said the ratio of employment of Saudi women in the sector would be very large when the women are employed, reports arabnews.com quoting Arabic daily Al-Madinah.

"The decision was made last year. The shops had enough time to prepare themselves for employing saleswomen," said Al-Tikhaifi.

Al-Tikhaifi foresees some difficulties in the initial stages, as the perfume shops also sell fragrance for men.

He also added that the cosmetics were only for women, while the perfumes could be for both men and women.

Al-Tikhaifi said that the decision would not have any influence on the rate of Saudisation or that it would not reduce the openings for young men, and the new decision could create a adequate job opportunities for young men and women in the retail sector.

Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry trade committee chairperson Nashwa Tahir said the decision would create thousands of jobs for Saudi women.

"The decision would not reduce the job opportunities for Saudi men, as all the manpower in the cosmetics and perfume shops were foreigners," said Tahir.