“Their only concern is to get the monthly allowance of SR2,000 as per the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. A large number of youths have come to register their names to get welfare even though it is evident that half of them are not entitled to the money,” the official told Al-Madinah newspaper.
“When unemployed youths register their names, the Ministry of Labor will find suitable jobs for those of them who have qualifications. There are, however, certain people who do not want to work; their only concern is to get state welfare,” he said.
The official did not specify the exact number of Saudi jobseekers registered at the ministry’s site. “The registration process is ongoing. We cannot speak about the figures at the moment. The ministry will announce the exact figures at a later date,” he said.
According to the official, the ministry’s priority is to provide employment and job-oriented training to job seekers as part of its national strategy. “The strategy also aims to reduce the number of people on unemployment benefits, which is in the hundreds of thousands. If we do not find suitable work for qualified youths, they will then be provided with unemployment benefits,” he said.
“The royal decree specifies that there will not be any delay in distributing the assistance from Nov. 26 (Muharram 1, 1433) this year. We will sort out applications for the allowance and shortlist eligible applicants over the coming period before the deadline,” the official said, adding that the unemployment benefit is only a temporary arrangement until youths find suitable jobs.
Referring to reports of some Saudis who are on low salaries tendering their resignations and applying for the unemployment benefits that are higher than their current salaries, the official said, “There may be some people who think that getting unemployment benefit is better as it is higher than their salaries. But I would like to assure them that things would change in their favor if they stick to their jobs.
“There is a new plan for Saudization, which will consist of new regulations and mechanisms. This plan will result in drastic changes to current labor market regulations and the vigorous enforcing of Saudization. These regulations will apply to all companies and establishments without exception.”
The official also noted that Minister of Labor Adel Fakieh would unveil the key features of the new plan in the near future. “The plan will help create a large number of jobs with attractive pay packages for young Saudi jobseekers. It will give first and foremost priority to Saudis and reduce dependence on foreigners,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Human Resources Development Fund said Thursday the unemployment benefits would also be extended to Saudis who have been sacked from their jobs. The source also said those eligible will not have to possess higher education certificates and will include even those who have received only elementary or adult education.
The Ministry of Labor through its electronic Hafiz (incentive) program will register all unemployed Saudi men and women.
The ministry and the HRDF will then verify the data to decide who is eligible for unemployment benefits. The program will also provide integrated data about the number of unemployed Saudis in order to develop future plans to tackle unemployment.
