Saudi authorities do not know how to fine a Saudi restaurant owner who took advantage of an unclear employment law to employ two Saudi women, the London-based al-Hayat newspaper said on Monday.
Restaurant owner Nabil Ramadan created a commotion last month in the quiet coastal city of Sihat in eastern Saudi Arabia when news spread that there were women working at his venue.
Although Saudi employment laws are unclear on the issue, the authorities closed down his restaurant but have yet to decide what punishment to impose on Ramadan, al-Hayat said.
Meanwhile, Ramadan said his move appeared to be supported by many.
”When I began looking for employees, I received dozens of applications from women who want to work. Why shouldn’t women be allowed [to work] given it’s a job done in public?” Ramadan asked.
Ramadan is among a few who have recently been taking small but bold steps in a country where women are not allowed to drive, travel without permission from a male guardian, appear in public without being covered, nor work alongside men.
For the first-ever municipal elections in the kingdom expected late October, women are taking advantage of an election law that does not explicitly ban them from voting. – Sapa-DPA