The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) has instructed
banks to extend the working hours of those branches where pilgrims gather near
the two Holy Mosques during Hajj season for this year starting on 18/11/1440H
until 14/12/1440H.
SAMA clarified in a circular addressed to all
banks operating in the Kingdom that the decision was based on Article (16) of
the Banking Control Law and further to the circular issued by SAMA on
09/10/1427H regarding banks working hours for the public. The decision came in
line with SAMA effort in cooperation with the banking sector to achieve
Kingdom’s Vision 2030 regarding the expansion of Hajj and Umrah services. SAMA
set six controls to extend working hours of those banks branches; they must be
in a location where pilgrims gather near the two Holy Mosques, not to exceed
more than 4 additional hours from the official hours , there must be a
sufficient number of employees during the additional hours, in addition, the
branch working hours must be announced through the appropriate means of
advertising, with the assurance that the addition of working hours wont violate
the provision of the Labor Law and its Implementing Regulations, finally SAMA
must be informed with a list of those branches
