RIYADH, 2 February 2003 — Interior Minister Prince Naif yesterday urged private companies to cooperate in solving the country’s growing unemployment problem.
“We should employ Saudis to take up jobs for which they are qualified. If we don’t work together there will be disorder, and we don’t want a situation in which the state forces things to happen,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after signing a number of contracts worth SR289 million to carry out 31 Interior Ministry projects, Prince Naif said employment of expatriates should not be at the expense of Saudi job seekers. “We should give priority to Saudis in providing jobs,” he added.
“We have long depended on others. There are seven million expatriate workers who remit no less than SR50 billion abroad annually,” said Prince Naif, who is also chairman of the Manpower Council.
He also pointed out that expatriates were also increasing the government’s burden in terms of putting pressure on infrastructure facilities and increasing crimes.
“If you don’t employ our youth, the result will be unemployment and corruption. Unemployment will lead to many problems,” he added.
“The government looks after the interests of both investors and job seekers. When employers employ more Saudis they will receive more support from the state,” he pointed out. He said Saudi women also needed jobs.
Prince Naif earlier signed a number of contracts with national companies to implement Interior Ministry projects in Riyadh, Najran, Tabuk, Arar, Madinah, Rafha, Asir, Jouf, Hail, Sharourah, Aflaj and other areas.
A new building for the Civil Defense Department in Riyadh is to be established at a cost of SR78.39 million.
Prince Naif urged the contracting companies to implement the projects to the highest standard. He also urged them to employ Saudis to carry out the projects.
