SR500bn social spending package outlined
Published: Mar 18, 2011 15:08 Updated: Mar 19, 2011 00:15
JEDDAH: In a major televised announcement, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah unveiled on Friday a SR500 billion social spending package that includes a minimum wage and cost-of-living bonus for government workers, unemployment allowances, a boost in housing loans and an increase in health spending.
Half of the value of the package — SR250 billion — will be used to construct 500,000 homes to address the country’s growing housing shortage. The king also announced a ministerial-level anti-corruption commission that will be headed by former Shoura Council member Muhammad Abdullah Al-Sharif. The authority will check financial and administrative corruption in government departments and will report directly to the king.
During his address to the nation, the king thanked his people for foiling the attempts of those who called for a day of protests on March 11.
“I am very proud of you,” he said. “The national memory should preserve that you are the guardians of national unity. You are always in my heart. I get my strength and determination from Allah and from you.”
Regarding the massive spending package, Justice Minister Muhammad Al-Eissa commended the royal decrees and said they would promote the welfare and wellbeing of citizens all over the country.
“The new welfare programs incurring huge spending are unprecedented in the Kingdom’s history,” the minister said. “It reflects King Abdullah’s desire to improve the living condition of citizens.”
Shoura Council Chairman Abdullah Al-Asheikh also praised the new royal decrees and said the comprehensive welfare programs would boost the Kingdom’s progress and stability.
Talal Al-Oqail, adviser to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, thanked King Abdullah for taking a series of decisions to strengthen Qur’an memorization centers and the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice as well as to renovate mosques all over the Kingdom. The package includes SR300 million to support the Islamic Dawa (Call & Guidance) offices and SR200 million to support Qur’an-memorization organizations.
The royal decrees announced on Friday are:
• A one-time cash payment of two months salary to all government employees, including members of the military, in addition to two months worth of living stipends to Saudis studying under government scholarships.
• A monthly unemployment payment of SR2,000 to the unemployed starting from Nov. 26, the start of the Hijra year 1433.
• The establishment of a minimum wage for Saudi government employees of SR3,000 per month.
• SR250 billion allocated for the construction of 500,000 housing units across the country.
• Establishment of the anti-corruption commission within three months.
• SR16 billion allocated to the Ministry of Health to expand facilities and construct new hospitals.
• An increase in the home-building lending limit at the Real Estate Development Fund from SR300,000 to SR500,000 per loan.
• An increase in loan limits to private hospitals from SR50 million to SR200 million.
• The creation of 60,000 new military jobs under the Interior Ministry.
• Wage increases to military personnel through upgrading each member’s pay grade by one step.
• Expanding branches of the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta, including the creation of 300 new jobs.
• SR200 million to the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice for more offices across the county.
• Five hundred new positions at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to check prices in the market and punish violators.
The royal decree also includes the promotion of increased Saudization in the private sector. It also includes an order that the Kingdom’s media organizations refrain from criticizing religious leaders.
— Muhammad Humaidan contributed to the report.
Comments
NAEEM AMEEN
Mar 19, 2011 00:55
Report abuseZAHID MEHMOOD
Mar 19, 2011 00:55
Report abuseMOINUDDIN KHAWAJA
Mar 19, 2011 00:56
Report abuseAHMAD AL SHERI
Mar 19, 2011 00:58
Report abuseQAYYUM
Mar 19, 2011 00:59
Report abuseIn all equality, private sector should also honour His majesty's decrees rather than just government sector.
FAZAL AHMED
Mar 19, 2011 00:59
Report abuseKHALID
Mar 19, 2011 01:01
Report abuseGuess they and another media outlets aren't too happy about that.
Oh, and just in case you're wondering, yes I am gloating.
Allah reward King Abdullah and guide him and help him to do great things for the religion and the country and make him strike fear in the hearts of those that would wish harm to Islam and Muslims/
MISHAEL
Mar 19, 2011 01:03
Report abuseEXPAT
Mar 19, 2011 01:03
Report abuseABU MARYIUM
Mar 19, 2011 01:03
Report abuseJCBOY
Mar 19, 2011 01:06
Report abuseFNK
Mar 19, 2011 01:07
Report abuseIBRAHIM
Mar 19, 2011 01:07
Report abuseANONYMOUS
Mar 19, 2011 01:08
Report abuseFARHAN KALEEM
Mar 19, 2011 01:08
Report abuseAt least one Muslim leader who thinks about his people for welfare.
May ALLAH bless King Abdullah with Thousands of Happiness
Long Live the Saudi Royal Family and Saudi Arabia.
SAJID M CHAUDHRY
Mar 19, 2011 01:09
Report abuseFAISAL A. SIDDIQUE
Mar 19, 2011 01:10
Report abuseMOHAMMAD AZHAR
Mar 19, 2011 01:10
Report abuseJust in the end a query, do any of these declared measures to non saudis working in kingdom or not?
GOPALAN PARTHASARATHY
Mar 19, 2011 01:11
Report abuseAMER
Mar 19, 2011 01:12
Report abuseMOHAMMED AL HOSAIN
Mar 19, 2011 01:15
Report abuseMOH'D ABDUL KHALEEL
Mar 19, 2011 01:16
Report abuseIRFAN IQBAL
Mar 19, 2011 01:18
Report abuseAHMED
Mar 19, 2011 01:22
Report abuseLOREAL
Mar 19, 2011 01:25
Report abuseJOHN
Mar 19, 2011 01:26
Report abuseSAJID
Mar 19, 2011 01:26
Report abuseSHADHULY A. HASSAN
Mar 19, 2011 01:28
Report abuseDENTON
Mar 19, 2011 01:36
Report abuseREAL reform is what is needed NOW !!!
UNDISCLOSED
Mar 19, 2011 01:39
Report abuseThis wasn't really needed, i would say those money should have been invested in building more schooling and improving their curriculum or train Hiaa people to deal with the general public or most likely build more driving schools to improve the city traffic. I think its time Saudi Arabia should adopt the driving institution like in Dubai or west world taking the drivers to the main road so he can learn how to deal with different traffic situation and learn traffic manners.
RAJIB AHMED
Mar 19, 2011 01:40
Report abuseBut, unfortunately, the benefits that are declared from time to time, don't include the expatriates. Just a couple of weeks ago, some pay increase was announced, but it left out the foreign workers. This is very sad and unfortunate for those highly skilled manpower who leave their dear homes and live and work here to serve the kingdom of this benevolent king.
This act of excluding the expatriates from the awards and special benefits depresses and alienates them. It also hampers the spirit and merit of the work they do. They witness their Saudi colleagues receiving heavier checks whereas they remain on the same pay-scale. This is not good for any party involved.
Therefore, I hope this time the reward will be equal for all. I'm sure that would ensure justice and fair-play in workplace.
ABDUL RAHIM ARSHAD
Mar 19, 2011 01:41
Report abuseMAHMOOD SHAFI
Mar 19, 2011 12:14
Report abuseMEHDI
Mar 19, 2011 12:14
Report abuseMOHAMMED SALEH AL-JABER
Mar 19, 2011 12:15
Report abuseRED
Mar 19, 2011 12:15
Report abuseANIL RAVEENDRAN
Mar 19, 2011 12:16
Report abuseKHAN
Mar 19, 2011 12:16
Report abuseK.W.AHMED
Mar 19, 2011 12:18
Report abuseABDULLAH ARAB
Mar 19, 2011 12:18
Report abuseMUHAMMAD ALI
Mar 19, 2011 12:19
Report abuseASGAR ANSARI
Mar 19, 2011 12:20
Report abuseThis will act as a slap on their faces.
I am an expatriate Indian, but am happy for my Saudi brothers and sisters. May Allah bless this country of the two holy sanctuaries.
AHMED
Mar 19, 2011 12:20
Report abuseBAHADUR KURKURAY
Mar 19, 2011 12:20
Report abuseGANESH
Mar 19, 2011 12:21
Report abuseMOHAMMED SHAH FARAZI
Mar 19, 2011 12:21
Report abuseIBRAHIM AHMAD
Mar 19, 2011 12:22
Report abuseA RESPECTED EXPATRIATE TO KINGDOM LAW
Mar 19, 2011 12:23
Report abuseAWK
Mar 19, 2011 12:24
Report abuseAWK
Mar 19, 2011 12:24
Report abuseRAFIULLAH KHAN
Mar 19, 2011 12:24
Report abuseNow its time that Saudies should change their behaviour and may not run for Managerial Posts only if they do not qualify for it.
Saudi People should be thankful to ALMIGHTY ALLAH that so Visionary Leader / Ruler has given to them who always takes care for them.
DOEL
Mar 19, 2011 12:25
Report abuseNADEEM IQBAL
Mar 19, 2011 12:25
Report abuseAMOR SAMAD BASIR
Mar 19, 2011 12:25
Report abuseMOHAMMED J HUSAIN, ALMAJAL G4S
Mar 19, 2011 12:25
Report abuseAHMED
Mar 19, 2011 12:25
Report abuseDANISH
Mar 19, 2011 12:25
Report abuseARUL DASS
Mar 19, 2011 12:26
Report abuseMOHAMMED
Mar 19, 2011 12:26
Report abuseFATIMA M
Mar 19, 2011 12:27
Report abuseALEEM
Mar 19, 2011 12:27
Report abuseKHAN
Mar 19, 2011 12:27
Report abuseAWK
Mar 19, 2011 12:27
Report abuseFor the sake of Allah's
Please issue the family visa base on salary certificate there are many expatriates in the Kingdom who are working sence longtime and are earning to maintain they families it's a request as a Muslim brother please open the family vise it's a vgood help if provide family visa "JAZAKALLAH KHAIR"
MAJID
Mar 19, 2011 12:28
Report abuseSYED
Mar 19, 2011 12:29
Report abuseAWK
Mar 19, 2011 12:29
Report abuseBALQEES AL- MUTAWA
Mar 19, 2011 12:30
Report abuseYOLANDA DOCENA
Mar 19, 2011 12:30
Report abuseAWK
Mar 19, 2011 12:31
Report abuseFor the sake of Allah's
Please issue the family visa base on salary certificate there are many expatriates in the Kingdom who are working sence longtime and are earning to maintain they families it's a request as a Muslim brother please open the family vise it's a vgood help if provide family visa "JAZAKALLAH KHAIR"
COMMON MAN
Mar 19, 2011 12:32
Report abuseZAFAR MAHMOOD ALI
Mar 19, 2011 12:32
Report abuseregards,
RAFIQ
Mar 19, 2011 12:33
Report abuseZAFAR MAHMOOD ALI
Mar 19, 2011 12:34
Report abuseregards,
MOHAMMED ABDUL MOHSIN YASIN
Mar 19, 2011 12:34
Report abuseBELLE
Mar 19, 2011 12:37
Report abuseANN
Mar 19, 2011 12:40
Report abusePHILIP B. CEZAR
Mar 19, 2011 12:40
Report abuseUSMAN
Mar 19, 2011 12:41
Report abuseMOHAMED AMEER
Mar 19, 2011 12:41
Report abuseKASHIF SAFDAR
Mar 19, 2011 12:42
Report abuseMIRZA ABDUL WALI BAIG
Mar 19, 2011 12:43
Report abuseASIAN EXPAT
Mar 19, 2011 12:44
Report abuseTARIQ MEHMUD
Mar 19, 2011 12:46
Report abuseFARHAN
Mar 19, 2011 12:46
Report abuseAWAITING EXPATS
Mar 19, 2011 12:46
Report abuseABU AMEER
Mar 19, 2011 12:46
Report abuseABU HANIYA
Mar 19, 2011 12:47
Report abuseNothing is for expatriates, all the decree are for only Saudi citizens.
ADEEL
Mar 19, 2011 12:48
Report abuseMOHAMMED IMRAN KIDWAI
Mar 19, 2011 12:48
Report abuseAJIBOLA
Mar 19, 2011 12:48
Report abuseSOLIHAILI
Mar 19, 2011 12:48
Report abuseVISCID PRONE
Mar 19, 2011 12:48
Report abuseEXPAT
Mar 19, 2011 12:48
Report abuseJEFF
Mar 19, 2011 12:49
Report abuseThe King should have also said "NO INFLATION"...
EDONIS PEREIRA RIBEIRO
Mar 19, 2011 12:51
Report abuseAALIA
Mar 19, 2011 12:53
Report abuseZULFIQAR HUSSAIN BHATTI
Mar 19, 2011 12:53
Report abuseTANVEER AHMAD
Mar 19, 2011 12:53
Report abuseZAINUDEEN
Mar 19, 2011 12:54
Report abuseAISHA
Mar 19, 2011 12:58
Report abuseBABER
Mar 19, 2011 12:58
Report abuseEXPAT FROM INDIA
Mar 19, 2011 13:00
Report abuseGHAYASUDDIN AHMAD
Mar 19, 2011 13:00
Report abuseMOHAMMAD
Mar 19, 2011 13:01
Report abuseMAZ
Mar 19, 2011 13:05
Report abuseI have a question that bothers me, aren't all human beings are Ashraful Makhluqat(the greatest of all creation)? If yes then why Ex pats rights are always violated, workers who work way below minimum wage like poor Bengali's who do the labour orientated work and get peanuts. Its again the law and these benefits are for Saudis the minimum wage will only apply to Saudi's.
I wish King Abdullah a quick recovery and him being the 3rd most powerful person ranked by forbes magzine I plea him to think about the lower and working class and people who are working for the Kingdom and living away from their families and have a package for the marginalized people.
AHAMED SHERIFF
Mar 19, 2011 15:59
Report abuseSteps in the right direction. Alhamdullillah
MERLIN
Mar 19, 2011 16:00
Report abuseAs some commentators have already pointed out, the govt. sector needs reducing, not boosting. Every measure taken makes the public sector more appealing to young Saudis, and the private sector is increasingly made to look like a very last option. Saudi needs the total opposite? Future economic success lies with the private sector, at the end of oil, there will be no public sector, without a robust private industrial / technology base to pay for it.
Asian expats, stop asking if the increases will also apply to you. The money is for the benefit of Saudi, not expats, stop being so naive. You need to stop living in hope, and adopt the attitude of the Western Expat, either you are content with your package, or you are not, if not, leave, and go somewhere else. If somewhere else is a poorer option, be happy with what you have. Indians especially will soon have better options in their own country, if not already?
ROMEL RAZA
Mar 19, 2011 16:01
Report abuseJAYED QORESHI
Mar 19, 2011 16:01
Report abuseAJI
Mar 19, 2011 16:02
Report abuseTAOHEED
Mar 19, 2011 16:02
Report abuseDOMINIC ANCELM
Mar 19, 2011 16:03
Report abuseGOWHAR
Mar 19, 2011 16:05
Report abuseMOHAMMAD KHALIQ KHALID
Mar 19, 2011 16:06
Report abuseIMRAN
Mar 19, 2011 16:12
Report abuseSHAIKH EDRISH ALI
Mar 19, 2011 16:13
Report abuseABU LUDWIG
Mar 19, 2011 16:13
Report abuseMAHMOOD SHAFI
Mar 19, 2011 16:13
Report abuseGEMZ
Mar 19, 2011 16:14
Report abuseB.O ABDULLAH
Mar 19, 2011 16:17
Report abuseYUSUF AHMED
Mar 19, 2011 16:19
Report abuseEXPATRIATES BROTHER - FAMILY VISA
Mar 19, 2011 16:24
Report abuseMERLIN
Mar 19, 2011 16:24
Report abuseFRUSTRATED READER
Mar 19, 2011 16:24
Report abuseMOHAMMAD
Mar 19, 2011 16:37
Report abuseABU YUSUF
Mar 19, 2011 16:39
Report abuseTARIQ
Mar 19, 2011 16:39
Report abuseDIDI
Mar 19, 2011 16:43
Report abuseIm an expat myself and Im thankful from what ever good things that I got so far from working in this country (better salary, power of spending, better life for family back home)..I think those expats who are whinning should stop being greedy.
AN EXPAT WHO AT LEAST IS GLAD TO HAVE A JOB HERE
Mar 19, 2011 16:43
Report abuseMANSOOR
Mar 19, 2011 16:43
Report abuseNICEGUY
Mar 19, 2011 16:47
Report abuseN. DAS
Mar 19, 2011 16:47
Report abuseARSHAD ALI
Mar 19, 2011 17:10
Report abuseSADIA
Mar 19, 2011 17:12
Report abuseA KAREEM
Mar 19, 2011 17:14
Report abuseEXPAT
Mar 19, 2011 17:15
Report abuseMMMM
Mar 19, 2011 17:15
Report abuseMERLIN
Mar 19, 2011 20:19
Report abuse"Regarding the massive spending package, Justice Minister Muhammad Al-Eissa commended the royal decrees and said they would promote the welfare and wellbeing of CITIZENS all over the country."
Take careful note, CITIZENS, you are not citizens! Stop asking bone questions! You are NOT included in this.
ALFATMI MAMOON
Mar 19, 2011 20:45
Report abuseAHMAD
Mar 19, 2011 20:49
Report abuseSAM
Mar 20, 2011 00:29
Report abuseDUFFY
Mar 20, 2011 00:32
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