50% Saudization of mobile industry rings in optimism

JEDDAH: With just days to go before the country’s cell phone shops have to ensure 50 percent Saudization, citizens have expressed optimism about the changes taking place, while some businesses are still seeking to hire some expatriates.
Half of the shops have to be Saudized by Ramadan 1, expected to fall on June 5, the Labor and Social Development Ministry has ordered. This has resulted in some shops closing down to either allow workers to correct their status, or with their owners opening up other types of businesses, local media has reported.
Two Saudi brothers working in the field, Mohammad and Salem bin Qader, both high school graduates, said they believe the industry would adapt quickly to the new situation.
“We started our computer maintenance and sales business two years ago after developing our skills by enrolling in training courses. The business is making good money compared to what we earned as security guards and cashiers at retail markets,” Salem said. “I used to work for a very low salary, barely enough to pay the costs of my marriage. With living costs rising, my brother and I sold our car and set up this small shop. Now we intend to expand,” he said.
Ammar Mohammad Al-Shammari, a dentist, said: “Although I graduated as a dentist my hobby involves the repair, maintenance and programming of mobiles. I left medicine to join my father’s business in the cell phone industry. I started working in the industry when I was 10 years old.”

He said the move would reduce Saudi unemployment. However, he said that the industry should be given more time to adapt because this would allow Saudis to gain the expertise needed to operate effectively.
Meanwhile, some shops have still been posting vacancy notices for Saudis and expatriates, largely because they are unsure whether Saudis would apply and take up such positions.
Bandar Abdulaziz, a shop owner, said that many were also afraid of employing Saudis because of the perception that they are not are not as “serious and hardworking” as expatriates. They also believe Saudis need more time to gain expertise needed by the industry, he said.
Abu Abdulrahman, a customer, said he agreed with the ministry’s decision to Saudize the industry. “In general Saudi youths are beginning to accept that they have to work hard. The ministry made the right move because the industry generates huge profits. There is a danger that these profits will leave the country if expatriates are employed.”