JEDDAH, 29 October — Describing the nationalization of jobs in the private sector as the Kingdom’s key strategic goal, Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed urged cooperation among all the concerned parties in the drive to bring about this vital objective.
Addressing businessmen at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Saturday, the governor stressed that the government was working hard to find jobs for Saudis by replacing expatriates.
At the same time the governor commended the services rendered by expatriate workers in building the country during the past 40 years.
“There are certain kinds of work, which still require the expertise of foreign manpower. At the same time, we should not show any negligence in training our youth to take up such jobs,” the governor said.
He added that the Health Council in the Makkah region had set out a plan to nationalize jobs in this vital sector.
“The health sector is in need of highly qualified and trained cadre and experts,” he added.
Prince Abdul Majeed said the Health Council was monitoring health services in the region to make sure that they are up to the mark.
Asked about the state’s contribution to the Manpower Development Fund, he said there will not be any delay in government assistance, saying that the development of manpower is one of the government’s top priorities.
Prince Abdul Majeed disclosed that there were no statistics showing the rate of unemployment in the country.
Addressing the function at the chamber, Abdullah Ahmad Alireza, vice chairman of the Jeddah chamber, emphasized the need to improve the performance of the Saudi work force by developing their capabilities.
