CITC monitors STC’s Saudization development, says governor

The Communication and Information Technology Commission (CITC) is monitoring Saudi Telecom Co.’s (STC) Saudization development, Al-Eqtisadiah reported, citing Abdulaziz Al Ruwais, governor of the telecom regulator.

Any company that would violate the nationalization plan will be penalized, he said.

The Saudization rates will be monitored on two stages: the first stage will be before year end and the second next year.

The Saudization plan targets in its first stage nationalizing leadership positions, while in stage 2 and 3 it targets other positions. Rates vary from one stage to another, as Saudis must be hired for executive positions within a short time period, or else the company will be punished, he said.

Elsewhere, Sabq newspaper has reported that CITC ordered telecom companies to Saudize all executive positions according to a set schedule that is currently being implemented.

CITC issued a decision in Dec. 2017 obligating telcos to raise Saudization rates in the first level of high-management positions to 75 percent and in the second level positions to 80 percent.

The decision also included the Saudization of the HR, government affairs, information security, internal auditing and legal management departments, as well as all the call centers.