Authorities have developed four options to solve the humanitarian and economic problem created by the decision to ban the issuance of work permits for expatriate workers aged 60 years and above with high school diplomas and below.
According to Al-Qabas report, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Abdullah Al-Salman, submitted a request to the Council of Ministers to resolve the issue because of its severe economic and humanitarian damages. He suggested imposing health insurance with a fee or a government fee of 500 dinars in addition to a health insurance policy of no less than 500 dinars.
According to the report, banning the work permits for expatriates above 60 without a university degree is not to address the demographic imbalances but is directly related to relieving the pressure on the country's health services system. The study showed that all jobs occupied by this segment are handicraft professions that are not attractive to citizens. 57% of these targeted workers have an average wage of fewer than 300 dinars. The report also indicated that the targeted age group is the least committed crime in the country.
A decision to impose a fee of 2000 dinars for these categories of workers will have a repercussion of increase in the prices of services provided by this category to consumers by 54.5%. In contrast, compulsory insurance for this category of workers will revive the insurance market, private hospitals, and pharmacies.
Updates
The council of Ministers is expected to take a decision on this in today's, Monday 27th Sep, meeting.