DHAHRAN, 1 April — The Manpower Council is considering a new law that will make private firms winning government contracts increase the number of their Saudi employees to a minimum of 30 percent.
“We are endeavoring to make sure that the percentage of Saudi employees at companies and establishments with which the government signs contracts be not less than 30 percent,” Interior Minister Prince Naif said.
Prince Naif, who is chairman of the Manpower Council, urged private firms to employ more Saudi nationals.
“How can there be unemployment in a country which has a foreign manpower of seven million?” he asked.
Prince Naif was talking to reporters after opening Career Day at King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals. About 90 companies and establishments are taking part in the four-day event.
“Saudization is not just a slogan. It’s a national goal, and it is our duty to achieve that goal,” the minister said.
“The Saudi labor market is capable of absorbing all Saudis because it is a promising market for trained and qualified youths. Every citizen has the right to find a job,” he added.
Prince Naif said there was good scope for investment and jobs in the areas of water desalination and car market. He also urged the private sector to work harder to attract foreign capital.
“The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and Saudi Aramco should help the private sector to invest in gas projects,” he said.
“Investment in the gas sector will create more job opportunities for Saudis, boost the national economy and indirectly serve other citizens,” he added.
Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Zamil, a member of the Shoura Council and chairman of Zamil Industrial Investment Company, highlighted the role being played by Saudi universities in training youths and conducting research work.
“The private sector is no longer hesitant about recruiting Saudi nationals,” Zamil said.
The manpower development fund, with an annual budget of SR500 million, has been playing a significant role in the Saudization process.
However, Zamil pointed out that Saudization should not be imposed on companies. “It should be realized through the incentives offered by the fund,” he said.
