DAMMAM, Mar 4(Arab News): People with special needs complain that they are being exploited by companies employing them.

They say they have become tools for employers to take advantage of several benefits offered by the government for hiring disabled people, such as relaxation of Saudization quota.

The employees also complain about improper treatment at their workplaces and being deprived of their genuine rights.

One of the workers, Muhammad Abdullah, said there is no law to protect the special rights of disabled workers.

“We have been appointed in ordinary posts with meager salaries. The pay will not help us meet our basic requirements,” he said.

“If they employ one disabled man, it is equal to hiring four Saudis. In addition to this, they would also be allowed to recruit 10 foreigners.”

According to Muhammad, most employees with special needs have bitter experiences at their workplaces.

“We have been denied pay increases and promotions in addition to permission to leave during working hours, even if it is a doctor’s appointment,” he said.

“It is tough to take leave. We have been treated badly for coming in even a few minutes late.”

Muhammad said most companies do nothing to help them perform their duties or move around the workplace. “There are no escalators and wheelchairs at most of the companies,” he said.

Nasir Muhammad, a colleague of Muhammad, said disabled employees are sometimes forced to perform physically strenuous tasks.

“Some of us are unable to marry and lead a family life due to our financial difficulties. What we get from the rehabilitation centers is not sufficient to meet our basic requirements, including treatment and payment of electricity, water and phone bills,” he said.

Badar Hassan, another disabled employee, said that employees with special needs are working eight hours daily and there are no regulations at most private companies to give any consideration to their physical condition. “When any one of us complains against this, the management resorts to arbitrary dismissal of such employees on the grounds that they are not in need of their service,” he said.

Badar urged the Ministry of Labor to urgently intervene to solve their problems, especially at workplaces, as well as to restore their deprived rights.

“We demand enactment of special rules and regulations to protect our rights. The concerned officials from the labor offices should conduct surprise inspections of various offices where people with special needs are working to know about their conditions, as well as the salaries and allowances they receive,” he said.

He urged the authorities to fix a minimum salary for disabled people in accordance with their qualifications, nature of jobs and experience.

“The ministry should also ensure disbursement of full allowances, fixing of working hours, annual increments and health insurance coverage for them and their families,” he added.