The labour raids targeted agains illegal expatriates in the kingdom have phased out 100,000 of the 200,000 contracting firms registered with the country’s chambers of commerce, a report said.

The contracting sector is facing enormous challenges since projects worth SR3 trillion are expected to be completed by 2020, said the Arab News report.

Meanwhile, Raid Al-Oqaili, vice chairman of the contractors and ready-mix concrete committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), stressed the need to train young Saudis and help enhance productivity standards.


Young Saudis are reluctant to work in this sector, notably in technical roles, due to the difficult working conditions and have instead opted to work in support areas and undertake administrative and menial tasks, he said.