Saudi: Shoura panel says no to former drug addicts returning to jobs

November 11, 2014

Jeddah, Nov 11: A proposal under consideration by the Shoura Council suggests the possibility of returning rehabilitated addicts to their former jobs after treatment. The security committee of the council has, however, rejected the proposal. Some members, on the other hand, quoted a survey indicating that 45 percent of current addicts are holding jobs at present.

The proposal, submitted by Shoura member Ahmad Al-Mufreh, called on the parties concerned to encourage rehabilitated addicts from both the public and private sectors to go back to their previous job once the rehabilitation program had been completed successfully.

Meanwhile, the security committee at the council stressed the need to find supportive and adequate solutions that help addicts to quit their addictions, including extending financial help to their families if they are entitled to it. However, the majority of the committee did not approve adding extra provisions to the anti-drugs system, and suggested resorting to the regulations and channels of the Ministry of Social Affairs, or amending the social insurance system to realize this goal instead.

The security committee considered the proposal submitted by Al-Mufreh as containing phrases and items unrelated to the subject matter of the anti-drug law and provisions, which itself did not include any specifications regarding the eligibility of the addict themselves, such the person's status as an employee, worker, unemployed, male, female, citizen or resident. The proposal, in comparison, included provisions that touch on the employment judgments that should apply on the affected employee, such as their retirement entitlements and subjection to guardianship if unable to act on their own. Such provisions, according to the security committee, are stated in other regulations and laws. The committee did not approve the proposal on these grounds.

Representing the minority of members from the security committee who had voted in favor of the proposal, member Abdulrahman Al-Atwi said that the proposal is very important, and that its provisions should be added to the anti-drug law, pointing to the increasing problem of drugs in the Kingdom.

The report submitted by the minority of the committee confirmed that the proportion of currently addicted persons in employment today exceed 45 percent of the total number of addicted in Saudi society. This percentage represents job categories such as doctors, officers, pilots and others. The survey indicated that 70 percent of prisoners today are detained due to drugs-related issues.

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UAE announces new 10-year Blue Residency Visa. Details here

News Network

May 17,2024

The United Arab Emirates has announced a 10-year Blue residency visa for individuals who have made exceptional efforts and contributions to protecting the environment.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who chaired the Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi formally approved this.

He said the move comes in line with implementing the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who had announced 2024 as the Year of Sustainability.

The Blue visa will be granted to individuals championing sustainability and the use of modern technologies in promoting the circular economy, and other relevant fields.

Sheikh Mohammed said the sustainability of our economy has become linked to the sustainability of our environment, and our national directions in this area are clear and consistent.

He also approved the National Youth Agenda, among several initiatives, instructing the Minister of Youth to prioritise five key areas: empowering youth economically, developing their scientific skills, reinforcing their national identity, enhancing their community contributions, and activating their role in representing their country on the international stage.

CEO of Artificial Intelligence

The Cabinet has approved the introduction of the post of CEO of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in all major federal entities, in line with the UAE's strategy to strengthen its position in AI.

“Today, we approved the introduction of the CEO of Artificial Intelligence role in all major federal entities, as part of the UAE’s strategy to solidify its position in the field of artificial intelligence,” the Vice President said.

The initiative aims to facilitate the integration of AI tools within these institutions, further advancing the transition toward a new era driven by cutting-edge technologies across federal entities.

University rankings

The Cabinet also endorsed a new framework for categorising higher education institutions across the nation. The forthcoming national rankings will assess over 70 higher education establishments based on the quality of their education, the employability of their graduates, the strength of their scientific research, and their collaborations with international scientific institutions.

The unveiling of these university rankings marks a significant stride in elevating the calibre of our higher education system and fostering transparency. It empowers families to make informed decisions, selecting the most suitable and exemplary educational pathways for their children,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“During the meeting, we were updated on recent advancements in our national space sector, with our national cadres now comprising 38 per cent of personnel engaged in global space projects. Additionally, expenditure on space research has seen a 14 per cent increase."

"Our commitment remains steadfast in guiding our youth towards promising and pioneering sectors while safeguarding our environment and adopting leading international technologies within our government. Concurrently, we are dedicated to enhancing our higher education systems, ensuring a brighter future for our youth,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

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