Saudi economic slowdown behind high unemployment: Shura official

Saudi Arabia’s economic stagnation is the main reason behind the rise in unemployment rate and lower job opportunities in the private sector, Okaz newspaper reported on Sunday, citing Abdulrahman Al-Rashed, head of Shura Council’s economy and energy committee.

The procedures applied by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development do not go in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

Al-Rashed also criticized recruitment of untrained expatriates, urging the ministry to set clear terms for expat recruitment, in a move that aims to provide suitable training for Saudi nationals, so as to replace foreign workers.

The unemployment rate among Saudi nationals rose to 12.9 percent in Q1 2018, compared to 12.8 percent in Q4 2017, Argaam reported last week.

Meanwhile, a total of 13.33 million individuals were employed across the Kingdom, compared to 13.58 million in Q4 2017.