More than 3,000 violations have been recorded during the current year.

Jeddah has surpassed other cities in the number of violations reported against female workshops, with close to 3,000 violations recorded in one year. Municipalities in Riyadh and the Eastern Region reported 4,000 violations over three years.

A spokesman for Jeddah Municipality stated that female inspection teams focus on shops that prepare brides to ensure regulations are being implemented with regards to all private and public activities pertaining to women, noting that monitoring the prices of services is the responsibility of the Ministry of Commerce and Trade.

“More than 3,000 violations have been recorded during the current year, and are mainly due to the carrying out of irregular and unlicensed health-related activities, operating businesses without a license, failing to renew a license, or the hiring of employees without any health certificates,” he said.

According to sources, the number of violations decreased in Jeddah over the past two years; more than 5,000 violations were reported in 2012.

Inspection teams visiting female workshops and businesses also inspect the buildings and verify their facilities to ensure that the facility is on the ground floor and has a separate entrance, as well as it meets basic health requirements as per the regulations.

“Aside from hygiene and cleanliness of tools used, the health requirements specify the proper use and storing of devices intended for sterilization,” Buqami added.

He stressed that the requirements must be made available to all workers, as well as their health certificates, and should highlight their working hours, proper attire, and other regulations, such as the practice of using any part of the facility for living, which is a violation.

Meanwhile, Arwa Al-Aama, assistant secretary for IT and director of the female department at Jeddah Municipality, said that the status of female businesses in Jeddah was currently much better than before.

He added: “Female business women have become more aware of the regulations due to the courses and workshops provided by the female department at the municipality but violations still occur, such as carrying out health related activities without necessary licenses from the appropriate authority.”

She said the municipality’s inspection department seeks to develop the monitoring process by enhancing communication tools with women in society through use of technology and smart phones in order to provide continuous information about regulations, processes and requirements.

 
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