JEDDAH, 30 January 2007 — A recent study carried out by King Saud University in Riyadh found that the rate of Saudis employed by foreign companies or in joint venture projects in the Kingdom did not exceed 9 percent.
The study, published by Al-Jazirah newspaper yesterday, also showed that only five percent of the key positions in these projects were held by Saudis.
While criticizing the low level of Saudization, the study noted that foreign companies in general were more cooperative and willing to employ Saudi women than local ones.
The study appreciated the fact that the foreign companies were training young Saudis and giving them a chance to develop their skills and qualifications. As the study explained, training programs would be of great benefit to citizens and the country alike.
The study stressed the importance of the role that these companies could play in providing more job opportunities as well as developing the country as a whole. However, it pointed out, Saudis were not even interested in taking technical jobs.
The study made a number of recommendations, beginning with a call for more incentives to encourage foreign investment. This would not only boost the economy but most importantly would help the Kingdom to engage global competition, it said. It would also help Saudis to obtain more skills and qualifications and be able to replace foreign workers.
This could only be achieved through intensive training courses and rehabilitation programs, the study said.
