Full Saudization of telecom sector expected by Sept. 2

RIYADH: Complete Saudization of the local telecommunications sector will come into effect after ten days in accordance with an order issued by the Minister Labor and Social Development Mufrej Al-Haqabani.
The ministry is training about 40,000 male and female Saudis to work in the telecommunications sector and allied fields.
Related agencies that are helping in the training include the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF), Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, General Organization for Social Insurance and the Saudi Credit and Savings Bank.
Participating ministries in the resettlement in the telecommunications sector include the Ministries of Labor and Social Development, Interior, Commerce and Investment, Municipal and Rural Affairs, and Communications and Information Technology.
Earlier, the mobile phone industry was given six months to implement the decision on the Saudization of the sector across the Kingdom.
The first step was Saudizing 50 percent of the sector for the first three months from Jamad Al-Thani 1 (March 10). It should be completely localized by Dhul Hijjah (Sept. 2).
Al-Haqabani ordered that only Saudis will be employed in the entire mobile industry, covering sales, maintenance and accessories.
The order is being implemented according to the jurisdiction, tasks, and responsibilities of each individual ministry.
During the campaign, the Labor and Social Development Ministry took steps to ensure that business owners follow instructions by replacing foreign workers with Saudi nationals. The decision to localize the telecommunications industry aims to create employment opportunities for male and female Saudis who are interested in working in the sector.
According to a Labor and Social Development Ministry decision, all the regions and provinces in the Kingdom and large and medium and small establishments are covered under the rule.
According to Abdul Kareem An-Nujaidi, HADAF director general, the fund is supporting the recruitment and rehabilitation of Saudis willing to work in the sector.