Localization helped 500,000 Saudis get jobs since 2019: Minister

Ahmad Al Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development

Saudi Arabia’s localization decisions for professions and business activities have helped to provide job opportunities to over 500,000 citizens in the private sector since 2019, Saudi Press Agency reported, citing Ahmad Al-Rajhi, the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development.

These decisions helped empowering the citizens and boosted their employment rates, Al-Rajhi added on the sidelines of the Saudi Economic Association (SEA) Conference.

Initiatives related to the labor market strategy will be finalized before end of 2025, the minister said, adding that this strategy made several market strides that are reflected on the economic indicators of the unemployment rates, the economic contribution of the labor force and the worker’s productivity.

Additionally, the goals of the women empowerment initiatives, which were scheduled for 2025, were achieved in 2022, the minister noted.

The different employment patterns, including flexible, freelance and remote work, will help an economic transition from informal activities, increase women’s contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), boost sources of income per capita, especially university students and further provide job opportunities for women.