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Saudi unemployment rises 3.3pc

RIYADH, September 9, 2014

The number of unemployed Saudis rose 3.3 per cent this year to 622,000, urging the Labour Ministry to give reasons for this increase despite its efforts to find jobs for Saudis through various programmes.

Saudi authorities have been urged to crackdown on the practice of companies side stepping Saudisation laws by signing agreements with subcontractors run mostly by expatriates.

The member was referring to the practice of major Saudi companies that show 100 per cent Saudisation but depend on contracting firms run by expatriates for many of their jobs, a report in the Arab News stated.

"Cutting down on the number of jobs at big national companies and giving their positions to contracting and small firms will have a negative impact on qualitative nationalisation of jobs," said Fahaad Al-Hamad, assistant president quoting the Shura member.

Meanwhile, there was a 12 per cent increase in the number of expatriate workers compared to 2013, despite the government's move to drive out residency and labour rule violators, Al-Hamad quoted another member as saying.

During a discussion on the ministry's report, another Shura member emphasised the need to focus on enhancing the professional capabilities and skills of Saudi workers through intensive training.

A female member questioned the ministry for not opening enough offices for employment of women.

The ministry was also questioned for not taking effective measures to supply adequate number of maids required by Saudi families.




Tags: Saudi Arabia | Unemployment |

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