Saudization of real estate, health, food and retail jobs under study

The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) would study ways next year to increase Saudization in the real estate, construction, health care, retail and food sectors, a senior official said. “The process will need in-depth studies to determine the workers needed for these sectors,” Abdulkarim Alnujaidi, executive deputy director general for the HRDF, said recently.
Alnujaidi said these sectors offer the greatest opportunity for large-scale employment of citizens. The sectors were chosen after surveys of the labor market using information provided by the Nitaqat program, he said.
He said the studies would allow the HRDF to work out programs that would help prepare citizens for these jobs, which includes ensuring they have the proper education and training. “The study of some sectors might take three to six months,” he said.
“The outcome of the studies will be used to draft programs and policies to match applicants with jobs. We want to make sure that the jobs are productive, stable and ensure the development of workers over the long term,” said Alnujaidi.
He said there are challenges that would have to be overcome to attract citizens in some sectors including wage levels, long working hours and workplace conditions.
On a related issue, the Shoura Council will on Tuesday listen to inputs from its management and human resources committee on the HRDF’s annual report.
Members of the committee are expected to highlight various issues including the continued hiring of foreign workers in the construction and maintenance industries.
The committee members had previously argued that these industries can accommodate many citizens if enough financial incentives are offered. The committee has recommended that the HRDF expand its training programs in these industries.