The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced the launch of the second phase of its Nitaqat Al-Mutawar Program, a key government initiative designed to bolster the employment of Saudi citizens within the private sector. The new phase aims to create over 340,000 jobs for nationals over the next three years, continuing the momentum of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plans.
Building on Phase One Success
The launch of this second phase is built on the significant achievements of the program’s initial run, which began in 2022. The first phase successfully facilitated the employment of more than 550,000 Saudis in the private sector, substantially surpassing its original target of 340,000 jobs. This success has been pivotal in stimulating private sector job localization, reducing national unemployment rates, and increasing the participation of the Saudi workforce.
Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Ahmed Al-Rajhi, highlighted that the previous phases demonstrated the capability of Saudi citizens to excel in various professions with high efficiency.
“This formed the launch pad for a new phase that reflects the ministry’s commitment to empowering national competencies and enhancing their active participation in the labor market,” stated Al-Rajhi.
A Balanced Approach to Localization
The ministry emphasized that the new phase was meticulously designed to strike a balance between accelerating localization efforts and supporting the sustained growth of private sector enterprises. This approach aims to create quality job opportunities and achieve a sustainable equilibrium between labor supply and demand, ultimately strengthening the national economy.
“The program is based on a comprehensive analysis of the labor market and the capabilities of establishments across various sectors. The program aims to achieve this goal by creating more jobs for Saudi nationals in the private sector,” the minister added.
Data-Driven Saudization Targets
According to Deputy Minister Abdullah Abuthnain, the new localization rates were not arbitrary. He explained that the ministry conducted extensive analytical studies of all sectors and establishments to propose realistic and targeted Saudization goals. These targets consider the specific nature of work in different industries and the availability of qualified Saudi talent.
Abuthnain noted that this data-driven approach will contribute to enhanced job stability and productivity, fostering genuine sustainability in the Kingdom’s labor market.
About Nitaqat Al-Mutawar Program
The Nitaqat Al-Mutawar Program is a Saudization initiative led by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. It aims to increase the employment of Saudi nationals in the private sector by classifying companies into different tiers based on their size and industry, and setting specific localization quotas for each. The program is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s efforts to develop its local workforce and reduce reliance on expatriate labor as part of the Vision 2030 strategy.
Source: Zawya
