Over the next six months, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development will expand Saudization into more sectors. In addition, 7000 jobs will be created in mail and parcel transport outlets, 4000 in the aviation sector, and 1000 in the optical sector. In line with the six decisions issued earlier by Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi to Saudize a number of professions and activities.
In an interview with Okaz/Saudi Gazette, a ministry source said that the vigorous implementation of the Updated Nitaqat Saudization program would further strengthen job stability for Saudis in the private sector. A large increase was also noted in the percentage of Saudis who earn SR4000 or more a month since the program was implemented.
According to the ministry source, 100% Saudization will be applied to customer service professions in establishments that provide customer service as a main or supporting activity, or those firms that entrust other entities as their customers through the means of communication, including leadership and supervisory positions, beginning December 17. Sales outlets were localized in seven economic activities at a rate of 70 percent of the total number of employees.
As many as 4000 Saudis are expected to be employed as a result of the ministry's decision to Saudize licensed aviation professions. There will be two phases to Saudization in this sector - the first phase begins on March 15, 2023, and includes 100 percent Saudization of the profession of copilot, air controller, and air transporter; 60 percent Saudization of the profession of flight attendant; and 50 percent Saudization of the profession of air transport pilot.
The second phase of Saudization will begin on March 4, 2024, and it will include 70 percent of air transport pilots and 60 percent of air hostesses. All private sector establishments employing five or more employees in the specified aviation professions are subject to the decision. General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) accreditation is required for Saudi staff in the targeted professions.
From March 18, 2023, all private sector establishments with four or more employees will Saudize 50 percent of their optical profession jobs. The move is expected to create 1000 jobs for Saudis. Among these professions are medical opticians, optical laboratory technicians, and optical technicians. Saudi health professionals are required to be accredited in their respective specialties. In the targeted professions, SR5,500 is the minimum wage for calculating Saudization.
Two phases of localization of service outlets were also included in the ministry's decisions. This decision will be implemented 12 months after the date of launching Saudization in this sector, with 50 percent Saudization in the first phase and 100 percent in the second phase. A number of professions are slated for Saudization in this sector, including site managers, assistant managers, quality managers, financial supervisors, site supervisors, track heads, inspection technicians, assistant inspection technicians, maintenance technicians, information technicians, and data entry operators.
From Dec. 17, 2022, Saudization is expected to create more than 7000 jobs in outlets providing mail and parcel transport services. A total of 14 sub-activities include 100 percent Saudization of chief executive positions, 60 percent Saudization of first-level management positions, and 70 percent Saudization of second-level management positions.
The Saudization decision includes the sale outlets for security and safety equipment; elevators, stairs, and belts; artificial turf and swimming pools; water purification equipment and navigation devices; catering equipment and electric vehicles; air weapons, hunting supplies, trip supplies; and packaging equipment. A branch manager, supervisor, cashier, customer accountant, and customer service representative are the most prominent professions involved in these activities. In these sectors, Saudization would take effect 12 months after the decision is issued.
According to ministry sources, the ministry's priorities for implementing the Updated Nitaqat Saudization program include increasing the attractiveness of the private sector for existing Saudi workers and jobseekers. As a result of the program, Saudization rates have steadily increased annually, and private sector firms have sufficient time to harmonize human resource plans. Small and microeconomic activities must be integrated with economic activities for the next three years, as well as a plan for the following three years.
