RIYADH: The number of beneficiaries of the Saudi Justice Ministry’s alimony fund initiative rose by 50 percent in November, according to a ministry statement. The Justice Ministry said in November 1,500 benefited from the initiative. The ministry wants to ensure financial coverage for beneficiaries during a transitional period to create stability. The initiative seeks prompt disbursement of maintenance funds to ensure the financial stability of families, the ministry said. In order to fast-track applications, the ministry has opened direct communication with clients through an online platform. The first phase of the alimony fund was launched in April 2019. It covers applicants with alimony rulings in their favor but that were not implemented. In November, the percentage of those whose temporary alimony was disbursed based on a preliminary ruling reached 28 percent while 72 percent of cases were decided based on final judgments. The ministry has linked the alimony fund to the “Tahseel” system of the Ministry of Finance to ensure online payments.