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Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Saudi Arabia (RATIFICATION: 1978)

1. The Committee takes due note of Ministerial Order No. 326 of 21 January 1993 determining the hazardous occupations and activities which women may not perform, in accordance with section 160 of the Labour Code. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate to what extent women are able to work in the industries or sectors listed in section 1(7) of the Order in jobs where they would not be directly exposed to the prohibited substances.

2. With regard to the public sector, the Committee notes the Government's statement that women can be promoted to high grades, but not exceeding grade 13, and that some of them hold posts at this level. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the number of women in such positions and the measures taken or envisaged to encourage their professional development and promote their advancement in this sector.

3. Further to its previous comments, the Committee asks the Government once again to indicate how it applies the principles of the Convention to Shiite Muslims who are citizens of Saudi Arabia, particularly as regards access to employment and career advancement.