Saudi Arabia

Saudi Suspends All International Flights

saudi suspends international flights

Saudi Arabia announced that it has suspended all its international flights beginning 21st December 2020 due to the spread of the COVID-19. According to a news report from Saudi Press Agency, the Kingdom has implemented a number of preventive measures in order to ensure the safety and health of its citizens and expats.

Also Read: [LOOK] Saudi Gov’t Launches Free COVID-19 Vaccination Drive for Public

saudi suspends international flights

Please see the full statement below:

Ministry of Interior: Saudi Arabia Suspends All International Flights for Travelers, Except in Exceptional Cases, Temporarily for a Week, Which Can Be Extended for Another Week

An official source at the Ministry of Interior stated that, based on what the Ministry of Health submitted regarding the spread of a new strain of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in a number of countries, until medical information about the nature of this virus becomes clear, and to take urgent measures to protect the public health of citizens and expatriates and ensure their safety, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s government has decided to take the following precautionary measures:

First: Suspending all international flights for travelers, except in exceptional cases, temporarily for one week, which can be extended for another week, with the exception of foreign flights that are currently inside the Kingdom, they are allowed to leave.

Second: Suspending entry to the Kingdom through land and sea ports temporarily for one week, which can be extended for another week.

Third: Anyone who has returned from one of the European countries or any country where the new strain has appeared after 08/12/2020, as determined by the Ministry of Health must adhere to the following:

1. Home isolation for two weeks, starting from the date of entering the Kingdom.
2. Take a COVID-19 test during the isolation period and retake the test every five days.

Fourth: Anyone who has returned from or passed through a European country, or any country where the new strain has appeared, during the past three months, must take a COVID-19 test.

The movement of goods, commodities and supply chains from countries where the new strain of COVID-19 has not appeared are excluded from the above-mentioned measures, as determined by the Ministry of Health in coordination with the Ministry of Transport.

These procedures will be reviewed in light of the developments related to the pandemic, and the reports received from the Ministry of Health.

Below is a post from Saudi News Agency regarding this announcement:

[LOOK] Saudi Gov’t Launches Free COVID-19 Vaccination Drive for Public

[LOOK] Saudi Gov’t Launches Free COVID-19 Vaccination Drive for Public

The Saudi government on December 17 has rolled out the first phase of its COVID-19 vaccination for the public.

ALSO READ: Bahrain to be Among the First Nations to Receive Coronavirus Vaccine

After receiving two of the first shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Wednesday, authorities immediately got on the ground and inoculated residents for the first phase of the public vaccination drive.

[LOOK] Saudi Gov’t Launches Free COVID-19 Vaccination Drive for Public
Credits: Saudi Gazette

[PHOTOS] Free COVID-19 Vaccination Drive Launched by Saudi Gov’t for Citizens, Residents

Earlier this week, health authorities instructed citizens and residents to register for the drive, which saw around 150,000 individuals registering for the shot which started on Thursday, the Saudi Gazette reported.

The vaccination drive, which will be provided free of charge to all residents and citizens of the Kingdom, will be divided into three stages.

Here are some of the photos taken during the first phase of the vaccination drive starting December 17:

[LOOK] Saudi Gov’t Launches Free COVID-19 Vaccination Drive for Public
Credits: Saudi Gazette
[LOOK] Saudi Gov’t Launches Free COVID-19 Vaccination Drive for Public
Credits: Saudi Gazette
[LOOK] Saudi Gov’t Launches Free COVID-19 Vaccination Drive for Public
Credits: Saudi Gazette

Vaccination Drive in Three Stages

The first stage covers high-risk groups which include senior citizens (65 years old and above); immuno-compromised people/people who have immune deficiency conditions; obese individuals with Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 40; people who have suffered from a stroke; and individuals who have more than two chronic diseases including asthma, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.

Meanwhile, the second phase of the drive will cover the following populations:

  • Frontline health workers;
  • People aged 50 years and above;
  • People living with one chronic condition (asthma, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic heart disease including coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and active cancer); and
  • People whose BMI ranges between 30 and 40.

And lastly, the third phase will cover the rest of the citizens and residents including expats and migrant workers.

READ NEXT: Big Changes to Take Effect in Saudi Arabia’s Kafala Labor System

Big Changes to Take Effect in Saudi Arabia’s Kafala Labor System

Big Changes to Take Effect in Saudi Arabia's Kafala Labor System

Following a series of major changes to Islamic laws observed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is yet another important milestone for millions of migrant workers residing in the country. 

On Wednesday (November 4), the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources announced that an important reform regarding its ‘kafala’ or sponsorship labor system, allowing private-sector workers to change jobs and leave the country without their sponsors’ consent, is set to take full effect in March 2021. 

Big Changes to Take Effect in Saudi Arabia's Kafala Labor System

Saudi Arabia to Amend Kafala System Starting in March 2021

Once the reform takes full effect, this would mean that workers will no longer be required to ask permission from their employers to leave or change jobs. Moreover, workers will have the freedom to travel outside of Saudi Arabia without their employers’ approval, the BBC reported.

Also, workers will get to enjoy the same benefits as other residents which include applying for government services, and their contracts with their employers will be documented digitally.

Deputy Minister Abdullah bin Nasser Abuthunain explains that hat the reforms would also help achieve the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the country’s plan to diversify its oil-dependent economy.   

“Through this initiative, we aim to build an attractive labor market and improve the working environment,” Abuthunain said.

Meanwhile, the development was welcomed by various human rights advocates, pointing out that the kafala is a long-standing form of modern-day slavery. 

However, certain areas need to be considered with this development noted Rothna Begum, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch. She pointed out that despite this change, Saudi’s move does not aim to fully abolish the kafala system just yet, as it appears that workers will still need to have an employer act as their sponsor to enter Kingdom, and that employers would retain the power to renew or cancel workers’ residency permits at any time.

This still places authority on employers that can be used to abuse or exploit their employees. Moreover, Begum pointed out that the reform does not apparently apply to migrant domestic workers, who are some of the most vulnerable workers in the country. 

Some of the most common grievances of domestic helpers in the country include how many employers had forced their domestic workers to work long hours without any rest or days off, denied them their wages, or confined them to their homes. Some workers had even been subjected to physical and sexual abuse. 

It is also worth noting that there are hundreds of thousands of undocumented workers in Saudi Arabia, and the authorities have not said whether they will allow such workers, many of whom became undocumented through no fault of their own, to be able to regularize their status, including by finding new employers.

While this is a healthy start, there is still much that can be done to further improve the conditions of migrant workers in the country, particularly the domestic helpers, who are considered one of the most vulnerable sectors of any society. 

ALSO READ: Here’s What to Expect on Your Visit to Saudi Arabia

Saudi National in Bahrain Wins AED 12M in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Raffle

Saudi National in Bahrain Wins AED 12 Million in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Raffle Draw

A fast-food business owner in Bahrain recently became one of the winners of the Abu Dhabi Big Ticket raffle draw.

ALSO READ: Saudi Offers Permanent Residency for USD 213,000

The Saudi national, Ahmed Al Hamidi, bagged the grand prize of AED 12 million on Saturday, October 3. 

Saudi National in Bahrain Wins AED 12 Million in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Raffle Draw
Credits: Big Ticket

Saudi National Becomes AED 12 Million Richer After Winning in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Raffle

Al Hamidi shared that he had been buying tickets for the past “four-five years”, but is still finding it hard to believe that he had finally won. In a phone interview, the 54-year-old millionaire told the Khaleej Times: “I am still in shock. There are too many things I want to do now.”

Al Hamidi shared that as he is still making a list of all the things he would like to do with his winnings, there are two things on top of the agenda: Securing the future of his three daughters and doing more charity work.

“I am a Saudi national living in Bahrain. I have a small fast food business. I have three girls. To tell you the truth, with this money, the thing I want to do is to ensure that my children are taken care of. Also, I will continue my charity work. I had been doing it always but now I can put an additional amount in it. Every year I give money to charity and help differently-abled children,” he shared. 

In a difficult year such as this, Al Hamidi is delighted to have finally won. The 54-year-old father of three’s immediate plan for his winnings is to secure the future of his three daughters aged 22, 21, and 16. 

“One of them graduated last year and is working. One daughter is in a college in Sharjah and another one is finishing her high school in Saudi Arabia,” he shared.

Al Hamidi bought his lucky ticket number 051175 on September 2 and had been the only one to purchase the lucky ticket, which means he is the sole claimant of the AED 12 million grand prize money.

He added that although he knew about the draw date, he wasn’t watching the live streaming when organizers called to inform him about the jackpot so everything came to him as a shock. 

Al Hamidi also revealed that he had been buying tickets for the raffle draw at least four times each year. 

ALSO READ: WATCH: Man Escapes Death as Car Hits Wall in Saudi

WATCH: Man Escapes Death as Car Hits Wall in Saudi

WATCH: Man Escapes Death as Car Hits Wall in Saudi

A video has made rounds on social media showing a man narrowly escaping death by a few seconds after he left his seat when a vehicle driven by a worker rams into a wall at a car wash in Saudi Arabia.

The 72-second video caught the shocking accident that could have left a man dead had it not been for his good judgment and partly, luck.

WATCH: Man Escapes Death as Car Hits Wall in Saudi
Screengrabs taken from the video posted by saud AL-Otaibi / YouTube

[Video] Customer Escapes Death by a Few Seconds After Car Reverses into Wall in Saudi Arabia

The incident was reported to have taken place in Bisha, a town in the Saudi Arabian province of Asir.

The man in the video identified as Mohammed Al Qahtani told Sabq: “Praise be to God first of all for my escape from being run over, as I was sitting on a chair waiting to have my car washed.”

He continued, “And I saw him [the driver] coming to stop the vehicle in front of me, to make me feel that the driver of this vehicle was not driving the car well.”

Al Qahtani shared how relieved he was after he decided to get up from his seat and to move away from the backing vehicle, which in a few seconds more, rammed completely into the wall where he was sitting against. 

Watch the entire incident caught on video here:

 

It’s not every day that we witness miracles such as this, to make us realize how lucky we are to still be alive and to value our lives more especially during these challenging times.

ALSO READ: Bride’s Wedding Photoshoot in Beirut Captures Horrific Explosion

Saudi Arabia to Relax Flight Restrictions Starting September 15

Saudi Arabia to Relax Flight Restrictions Starting September 15

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced on Sunday (September 13) that it will partially lift its suspension on international flights starting September 15.

The Kingdom has placed travel restrictions on all its borders and points of entry during the last six months due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Saudi Arabia to Relax Flight Restrictions Starting September 15
Credits: Saudi Press Agency

Saudi Gov’t to Ease Flight Restrictions Starting September 15

The ministry added that all restrictions on land, air, and sea, will end after January 1 next year, without specifying any date, the Khaleej Times reported.

In line with this, Gulf citizens and non-Saudis with valid residency permits or visas will be allowed to enter the kingdom from September 15 onwards as long as they have tested negative for the virus.

Meanwhile, other “exceptional categories”, which include government and military employees, foreign embassy workers, and people requiring medical treatment, will also be allowed from September 15. 

The ministry also noted that the Kingdom will later announce a plan to gradually allow the Umrah pilgrimage.

It can be recalled that Saudi has suspended the Umrah earlier this year over fears of the coronavirus pandemic.

Then in late July, the kingdom has also called for the scaled-down Haj, with only up to 10,000 Muslims taking part in the annual pilgrimage.

Starting March, Saudi has suspended all international flights leaving many citizens and residents stranded overseas.

Since then, the kingdom has imposed stricter measures to contain a major spike in infections, which have now risen to more than 325,000 cases – the highest in the Gulf – and over 4,200 deaths.

In June, the kingdom has ended the coronavirus curfew across the kingdom and lift restrictions on businesses, including cinemas and other entertainment venues.

ALSO READ: KSA Launches New Visa Policy for Tourists, No Abaya Rule

Huge Fire Breaks out in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

A large fire broke out Saudi Arabia. The fire erupted in makeshift offices in Haramain Sulaymaniyah district in Jeddah.

According to reports, Saudi Arabia Firefighters and civil defense teams were able to battle a large fire at a railway station in Al Sulaymaniyah, Saudi Arabia

After news in the Middle East where Beirut, Lebanon’s port experienced a massive explosion, massive fire in Ajman, UAE, and fire in Iraq, recently a train station in Jeddah in KSA caught fire.

Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported so far. Investigations are ongoing on the cause of the fire.

Below are some images and videos posted online:

Saudi Closes Mosques; Curfew in Jordan; Iran Tallies 135 Deaths

Saudi Closes Mosques; Curfew in Jordan; Iran Tallies 135 Deaths

As the trend of new cases and deaths due to SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) in many parts of the world continue in an upward trajectory, several governments in the MENA region including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iran have begun to implement stricter measures to manage the spread of the disease. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the coronavirus has swept across the Middle East and North Africa with nearly every country in the region confirming cases of the new virus. 

Credits: WHO

Middle East Gov’ts Impose Stringent Measures to Control Community Spread of COVID-19

In this light, Saudi Arabia has announced that it will no longer allow Muslims to conduct their five daily prayers and the weekly Friday prayer inside mosques as part of efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus, as shared in a report by Saudi Arabia’s state news agency, SPA. 

The prayers will continue only at the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah, the holiest places in Islam, referring to a decision from the Council of Senior Scholars, the kingdom’s highest religious body.

Meanwhile, Iran on Tuesday announced another 135 deaths from the novel coronavirus, bringing the overall toll to 988 in one of the world’s worst-hit countries. 

According to health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpou, “Reports by more than 56 laboratories indicated that we have had 1,178 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection in the past 24 hours.”  

This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 16,169 as of noon on March 17. 

Jehanpour also noted that there are 5,389 people who were infected had been discharged from hospitals “with general good health”.

Tehran province recorded the highest number of new infections with 273 fresh cases. Alborz, to the west of Tehran, was next with 116, followed by East Azerbaijan with 78. 

“As of Tuesday morning, more than 15 million of our countrymen have been screened” for symptoms, Jehanpour shared.

The health minister reiterated calls for Iranians to stay at home during the outbreak and asked them to report possible symptoms on a ministry website. 

The website identifies the individual using their national identity number and asks if they have symptoms such as coughing or fever. It also asks if anyone suspected of having the virus, under treatment or recently recovered lives with them. If the symptoms are not serious, it advises them to stay at home and tells them where the nearest healthcare center is located.

Meanwhile, Jordan has also announced a lockdown beginning March 17, ordering all citizens to stay in their homes apart from emergencies and banning travel between provinces, to fight the coronavirus outbreak. Troops were deployed at the entrances of cities starting Monday to help impose the measures when they take effect the following day, the army explained.

In this regard, the Kingdom has already shuttered shops and closed its borders to halt the spread of coronavirus. Also, its government is expected to issue a royal decree declaring a state of emergency that will give the authorities widespread power to control movement. 

Jordan has closed land and sea border crossings with Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and Israel, and suspended all incoming and outgoing flights. Only cargo flights and commercial overland shipments will be allowed in and out of the country.

ALSO READ: Iran Releases 70,000 Prisoners due to Coronavirus

Saudi Arabia Bars GCC Citizens from Entering Mecca, Medinah

Saudi Arabia Bars GCC Citizens from Entering Mecca, Medinah

On Friday (February 28), Saudi Arabia has announced that it will deny entry of GCC citizens to two of Islam’s holiest cities amid fears over the new coronavirus.

The decision to halt access to Mecca and Medinah comes a day after the kingdom suspended visas for the year-round “umrah” pilgrimage, an unprecedented move that has left hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims around the world in limbo.

Saudi Arabia Bars GCC Citizens from Entering Mecca, Medinah
Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Saudi Gov’t Suspends Entry of GCC Citizens to Mecca, Medinah

According to the foreign ministry, “the temporary suspension of entry of (GCC) citizens to the cities of Mecca and Medina,” as shared in a report by Gulf News.

The GCC states include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar.

However, the ministry announcement did not specify whether this suspension extended to Saudi citizens, as well.

On the other hand, the ministry statement said the decision excludes “GCC citizens who have been in the kingdom for 14 consecutive days and did not show signs of coronavirus infection.”

So far, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reported no coronavirus cases but there are mounting concerns over a spike in infections across the Middle East, including neighboring Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE.

Meanwhile, GCC citizens are allowed to enter the kingdom with their national identity document. But on Thursday, the government said they could only enter using their passports and not IDs.

In a report by the pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat, the move is designed to check the travel history of the GCC citizens, including any recent visits to countries impacted by the virus.

On Thursday, the Kingdom also suspended visas for tourists from countries affected by the virus as fears of a pandemic deepen.

According to state media, electronic tourist visas for people arriving from seven countries, including China, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Kazakhstan, have all been suspended.

And while Saudi Arabia said the suspensions were temporary, it did not provide any time frame for when they will be lifted.

The announcements have also triggered speculations and uncertainty over the annual hajj pilgrimage scheduled for July.

In a statement, the foreign ministry shared: “The government of Saudi Arabia… is closely following developments in the spread of the virus and its repercussions on an ongoing basis, and that the precautionary measures are being reviewed according to any new developments.”

Every year, Saudi Arabia hosts millions of pilgrims in the cities of Mecca and Medina, and this has become one of the Kingdom’s major source of revenue since the decline in demand and production of oil globally.

Interestingly, the pilgrimage forms a crucial source of revenue for the government, which has said it aims to attract 30 million religious visitors annually to the kingdom by 2030.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah has informed that the Saudi government is closely following developments in the spread of the virus and its repercussions on an ongoing basis and that the precautionary measures will be reviewed according to any new developments, and additional measures shall be taken if the need arises.

ALSO READ: [VIDEO] Here’s How Muslims Celebrated Eid on Final Days of Haj in Saudi Arabia

Anti-Trafficking Laws in the Middle East

Anti-Trafficking Laws in the Middle East

There are millions of foreign workers living and working in the Middle East, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other expats. When it comes to human trafficking, they can always turn to the embassies or diplomatic missions of their home countries.

In addition, foreign workers can also seek help from the government of the host countries themselves. Pursuant to anti-trafficking laws in each country, there are organizations, shelters, and other related agencies that work hand-in-hand in fighting against human trafficking crimes.

Anti-Trafficking Laws in the Middle East

Combating Human Trafficking in the Middle East

In today’s post, we take a look at how some countries in the Middle East — particularly the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi, and Qatar — have been combating human trafficking and related crimes.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE has introduced several anti-trafficking laws over the years, starting with Federal Law No. 51 of 2006, which was later amended by Federal Law No. 1 of 2015. The law imposes a minimum fine of AED 100,000 at least five years in jail for perpetrators of human trafficking.

In 2007, the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT) was established to coordinate efforts across the seven emirates. The government has also established Ewa’a Shelters all over the country to care for women and children who are victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking.

In the emirate of Sharjah, the Women’s Protection Centre of the Social Services Department of the Government of Sharjah launched a website and toll free number (800-800-700), which anyone can call for help. The centre provides legal, social, and psychological counseling, and even family consultations for domestic abuse cases.

Likewise, in the emirate of Dubai, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) was established in 2007 as the first licensed, non-profit shelter in the country for women and children who are victims of domestic violence, abuse, and human trafficking crimes.

As for the Dubai Police, they have a General Directorate for Human Rights Protection, which provides legal, social, and psychological support to human trafficking victims. The agency also offers temporary shelter and temporary visas to victims who need support until they can return to their home countries.

The Dubai Police has also established the Human Trafficking Crime Control Centre, which accepts calls through +971 4 608 2347 and through the following contact details:

Human trafficking cases hotline: 8007283
Labour complaints hotline: 8005005
Fax number: +971 4 217 1644
Email address: [email protected].

Kingdom of Bahrain

To combat human trafficking, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) in Bahrain has established a national trafficking hotline, centre, and shelter for victims of trafficking in persons.

Victims — as well as witnesses — of human trafficking are encouraged to call the national trafficking hotline, 995. They can also go directly to Northern Sehla, where they will find the Expat Protection Centre and Shelter.

The Expat Protection Centre and Shelter was established in 2015 by the LMRA, as part of the Bahrain government’s commitment to protecting and preserving the rights of overseas workers in the Kingdom. The functions of the centre include the following:

  • Identification, support, and follow-up of human trafficking victims and cases;
  • Provision of complete services to victims as well as potential victims of human trafficking; and
  • Provision of legal counseling, medical services, and mental health services to victims.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Pursuant to Council of Ministers Decision No. 207 of 12th September 2005, Saudi Arabia established the Human Rights Commission (HRC), which is the government body responsible for issuing advice and opinion on human rights matters in the Kingdom.

In 2009, pursuant to Council of Ministers Decision No. 244, Saudi Arabia also established the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Committee, which is headquartered at the HRC.

More recently, in 2019, Saudi government, through the HRC and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Committee, met with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to sign a memorandum of understanding on the prevention of human trafficking. In the same year, the committee held a meeting with IOM, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and other government agencies.

During the meeting, they discussed several measures for preventing and addressing human trafficking cases. These measures include the provision of technical and administrative expertise on the part of UNODC, as well as the establishment of legal, financial, and moral support services for the victims of human trafficking.

Kingdom of Qatar

Pursuant to Decree Law No. 38 for 2002, the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in the Kingdom of Bahrain was established. It was later re-organized in accordance to Decree Law No. 17 for 2010, thus confirming the committee as a permanent official body that addresses human trafficking crimes.

In addition, the Kingdom has introduced other related laws: Law No. 21 for 2011 on Human Trafficking; Law No. 21 for 2015, which put an end to Bahrain’s Kafala system; and Law No. 15 for 2017, which pertains to the rights and protection of domestic workers. Moreover, the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking (NCCHT) was also established.

The NCCHT opened the Human Care Centre last year. Notably, this centre offers:

  • Help and protection for human trafficking victims;
  • Assistance in the victims’ rehabilitation and integration into society; and
  • Temporary employment until the victim is able to return to his/her home country.

Victims of human trafficking are encouraged to file complaints through the NCCHT website as well as through Qatar’s security department. The different departments work hand-in-hand, placing the victim at the Human Care Centre and providing extensive assistance including legal, financial, and moral support services.

If you are a foreign worker in the Middle East, or a job-seeker planning to work in the region, make sure that you know the anti-trafficking laws in your host or target country. By keeping them in mind, you become more aware of your rights as a person and as an employee, and you will know how to act when such rights are being violated — yours as well as those of your fellow workers.

DISCLAIMER: The above guide is presented for information-sharing purposes only. To know more about anti-trafficking laws and programs in the said countries, please visit the UAE Government Portal or the official websites of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) in Bahrain, the Human Rights Commission (HRC) in Saudi Arabia, and the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in Qatar.