Jadwa forecasts unemployment rates in Kingdom to decline in H2 2021

Riyadh city

Jadwa Investment Co. stated that the Kingdom's economic recovery is still ongoing, expecting further growth over the coming period.

The research firm also forecasts unemployment rates to decline in H1 2021 and 2022.

According to the report, there are some developments expected in the second half of 2021, which will likely raise the employment rates in the Kingdom.

In addition to the continuing vaccination against coronavirus, which will help boost the overall recovery, Jadwa forecasts the availability of more job opportunities for citizens due to recovery in summer tourism activities during the third quarter and the launch of entertainment and recreation activities. In addition, the continuous efforts of the Saudization programs will help increase the number of jobs for citizens in various sectors.

The report issuer also expects an increase in the number of Saudis hired in the education sector, thanks to the Saudization program launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), which aims to raise the Saudization rates in private schools.

Moreover, the employment of new Saudis in the wholesale and retail trade sector would grow in the second half of 2021.

The Human Capability Development Program, one of Vision 2030 recently announced programs, is predicted to accelerate the pace of Saudization over the next five years.

Jadwa further stated that the recovery in the labor market during the past few quarters came as a result of the general recovery in the Saudi economy, as the gross domestic product (GDP) of the non-oil private sector rose in H1 2021 by 7.5% year-on-year (YoY).

This improvement will likely continue during the remaining period of 2021 and 2022, the research firm concluded.