Employers will be given two expat visas for every former prison inmate they hire, said Khaled Al-Sebti, executive director of the National Commission for the Care of Inmates, Released Prisoners and Their Families (Trahom).

A Labor Ministry office in Dammam has already provided approval letters for issuing two recruitment visas per hire.

“Nearly 400 released prisoners have benefited from this program,” Al-Sebti told a local newspaper.

“Several released prisoners find it impossible to find work way after getting out of prison,” he said.

“Prisoners can only work five years after being released or upon special recommendation made by the regional governor, a matter which has been discussed between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the commission, he pointed out.

He added: “This program encourages the private sector to employ these people to integrate them into society since many employers refuse to hire released prisoners due to their previous criminal records.”

Seif Zahrani, a social activist who lives in Dammam, told Arab News: “Many prisoners have repented and are obliged to work to maintain their costs of living. This program will serve as a milestone in helping ex-cons get back on their feet.”

Tarahom provides projects, such as waste recycling, for inmates inside prisons. The program also provides training courses for prisoners to work as heavy vehicle drivers.

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