In a move which will impact foreign workers, including hundreds of Indians, working in Saudi Arabia, a top advisory body has passed a law to gradually replace foreign workers in commercial outlets by Saudi nationals.

The gradual shift will be made according to a timetable set by the Ministry of Labour.

Under the new law drafted by the Shoura Council, all workers in grocery shops, retail and wholesale stores will adhere to the Labour Law and the Social Insurance Law.

According to a Shoura member, the final draft was presented to the government after two years of careful research and studies. Top businessmen, owners and consumers were consulted before drafting the law.