The suggested monthly allowance would be no less than SR1,000, which according to many is not in line with what other countries give their unemployed.

The proposal was taken up on Sunday under the chairmanship of Abdullah Al-Asheikh which was put forward by the Human Resources Management Committee.

The decision to make a detailed study of the proposal was passed with a majority of 100 votes in favor, while 20 members voted against. Salem Al-Marrie, who proposed the motion at the council, said that the move would curtail social problems among the unemployed.

“Such an allowance should be no less than SR1,000 per month,” he stressed. He also pointed out that some countries allocate 1.4 percent of their income for the welfare of the unemployed youths.

“What we are suggesting is to pay at least a half percent of our income to the unemployed,” he said. Zainulabdeen Barrie, one of the Shoura Council members, expressed his concerns at the move saying that there are around 500,000 unemployed Saudis and the program would cost SR6 billion each year.

The study is expected to enumerate the number of unemployed youth in the Kingdom and accordingly determine the period for the interim allowance and the amount of payments to be made to unemployed youths according to local labor regulations.

The Shoura Council move is significant as the Kingdom’s unemployment rate is increasing. However, many believe that the suggested amount is not enough, especially with inflation and price of commodities increasing.

Badr Mohammed, a businessman, said the amount is not enough for average Saudis. “In Europe, the monthly allowance is 270 euro and in the US it’s around $9,000 a year, although in the US not all of the amount is given in cash, they give food stamps for example,” he said.

He said that the population of Saudi Arabia is expected to increase with around 60 percent of Saudis under 25. “With such high numbers, the Kingdom should provide more jobs and opportunities,” he added.

Mohammed also said SR1,000 is not enough. “With this amount he has to buy groceries and gas, spend on his children and pay rent,” he said.

A number of unemployed people reacted positively to the study, saying they hope it is quickly introduced and that they fear it might be delayed or stopped.

Ammar Abdullah, a 25-year-old university graduate with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, has been looking for a job for over 18 months. He believes the minimal amount should be SR2,000, which would cover his basic expenses until he finds a job.

“SR1,000 is not enough because it’s not even enough for drivers who make SR1,500 a month. These monthly allowances won’t make recipients lazy as some believe,” he added.

“It could be handed out for a conditional three months for example to show the recipient is progressing and looking for a job, and to ensure it’s not spent uselessly,” he said.

Ali Al-Jaber lives outside Jeddah. He has been unemployed for four years and has suffered financial losses while searching for a job. He said he would benefit from the allowance. “I don’t even have money to meet travel costs when looking for a job,” he said.