Mumbai: The Shoura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has proposed law to limit employment in commercial establishments, retail and wholesale shops, distribution companies and among street vendors to Saudi nationals, a move that may adversely affect Indian workers.

Shoura Council has sought the approval of the cabinet for the proposed legislation.

If approved by the cabinet, it would become law within four months of publication in the official gazette.

The ministries of labour and municipal and rural affairs will implement the law gradually, the Saudi Gazette said.

The proposed law sets hours of operation for shops in the Kingdom. It also mandates that all businesses follow labour and social security norms.

The minister of municipal and rural affairs is empowered to appoint officers to monitor implementation and report its violations. An initial violation of the proposed law would result in a fine of SR 100. The maximum fine is SR 5,000.

However, implementation of the law is subject to a clause that the law should not conflict with international conventions.