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Daniela KozakContent:
Saudization is a government policy that aims to expand jobs for local citizens. It is conducted by imposing quotas, which have their own peculiarities depending on the industry. It affects the employment rate of foreign workers, so they should look into this program.
Saudization creates some inconveniences for foreign workers because competition for vacant positions increases.
Saudization was proposed by the Ministry of Labor and is part of the Saudi Nationalization Program. It was conceived in 1985 and is primarily aimed at the private sector. It aims to promote employment for local citizens and not isolate them from the opportunity to do business in their home country.
Such a system matters at the governmental level as well. The initiative could reduce the economy's dependence on oil and natural gas. As we know, natural resources do not have an eternal supply, so it is a wise decision to take care of the diversification of the economy.
Saudization policy includes 6 qualifications. These include platinum, high green, mid green, low green, yellow and red. The Platinum Zone is considered to be the most prestigious. It has the advantage of additional benefits, including fast visa processing.
Compliance with Saudization certificates is very important for companies. It will not only allow them to avoid fines but also to be eligible to bid on government contracts and have access to other opportunities.
Despite the fact that the issuance of a quota for the employment of local citizens has existed since 2011, there are many myths. Insufficient study of information can lead to misrepresentation of facts. Be careful, because it is important to properly understand the aspects of this system in order to appreciate its benefits. In addition, in 2014 alone, a large number of companies were closed down due to non-compliance with the Nitaqat system.
The myth that foreigners are not welcome is most prevalent. Saudization does not apply to all professions. Specialists from other countries are still needed. If you want to get a job, you have every chance with proper preparation. Research jobs not affected by Saudization, familiarize yourself with employment rules, and prepare a good self-presentation.
You should not believe that all foreign workers will lose their jobs. While the government seeks to increase the employment of Saudis, it also realizes that some jobs require specific skills and knowledge. This is the reason why specialists from other countries are brought in. Moreover, they are often offered quite favorable and pleasant conditions as well. There are areas where there is an acute shortage of professionals. If you are a sought-after and valuable professional, you have nothing to worry about.
Working in Saudi Arabia as an expat depends on the job you have accepted. There are a lot of serious and competent people here. Being in such a society, everyone can benefit much more than just a paycheck. Opportunities to build a career and future here are plentiful, so explore other programs that are being introduced by the government.
There are some expat jobs in Saudi Arabia that are not included in the Saudization program. The best sectors for foreign professionals are considered to be:
oil;
teaching;
medicine;
engineering.
To enter a good position and earn a decent salary, you need to be qualified. It is confirmed by diplomas and certificates.
Some foreign workers in Saudi Arabia still do not understand how things work in practice. The number of local employees is determined by several factors. Among them:
company size;
the type of activity of the business;
the current percentage of Saudization.
If a company qualifies for the program's list, even if it has less than 5 employees, one of them must necessarily be a Saudi national.
By being able to see all the possibilities and useful programs, everyone can succeed. Foreign workers should always keep up to date with the news. This will allow them to remain competitive, advance their careers, and increase their income. The impact of Saudization is indeed there, but you should not dwell on it and limit yourself.
Earlier we talked about the list of current professions that are actively recruiting foreign workers. It is also worth mentioning soft skills that will always be relevant despite Saudi workforce nationalization. These are discipline, responsibility, sound communication, analytical and critical thinking, punctuality, planning, love for learning, emotional intelligence, and stress tolerance. They can be listed for a long time, but such skills are universal. They are worth developing, no matter what profession you choose. Especially in today's world, there are plenty of resources to pump them up. You can take offline or online courses, or use free information on the internet.
Hard skills are definitely needed too. They differ from profession to profession and are easier to measure than soft skills.
Be sure to learn basic concepts from local law. This will allow you to be an informed citizen and prevent unpleasant situations. Saudi labor market reforms appear from time to time and may be useful to you. Before you sign a contract for a job, read the contract carefully. Make sure you are fully satisfied with all the terms and conditions. Once signed, it comes into force, so you can't just stop working with them if you feel like it.
You also need to understand the visa requirements. You will need a work visa. To open it, prepare all the necessary documents in advance. It is better to enlist the help of a competent person to simplify the process. After you have received a visa, be sure to keep track of its expiration date.
Saudization is an interesting program that is not to be feared. It unlocks the potential of underdeveloped sectors and has a number of other strong advantages. Looking for jobs and opportunities in Saudi Arabia? Start your search for relevant and best offers here.
Of course, there are always vacancies. The main thing is to use reliable resources for your search.
There are several professions that are not affected by the system including IT, medicine, education, etc.
Yes, local regulations require each employee to have a sponsor (employer).
To remain a sought-after professional, follow these tips:
Develop professional skills, take courses, and learn as much valuable information as you can.
Learn foreign languages, including Arabic and English.
Get certifications, because they make you more attractive to employers.
Adapt to the local culture, and learn its traditions.
Look for job openings through specialized resources (e.g., Layboard.in).
Keep track of the labor market, and keep in mind that its trends can change depending on a variety of factors.
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