Saudi Arabia’s labour ministry has announced that it is sectioning off retail jobs in 12 sectors for its nationals.
The sectors, according to a Saudi Press Agency, include watches, eyewear, medical equipment and devices, electrical and electronic appliances, auto parts, building materials, carpets, cars and motorcycles, home and office furniture, children’s clothing and men’s accessories, home kitchenware, and confectioneries.
Only retail activities in the sectors are limited to nationals so far, according to the report. A committee made of members from the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF), and the Social Development Bank will develop a formal Saudisation programme to implement the decision.
Saudi Arabia is attempting to increase employment rates for its nationals in response to an economic environment that has pressured its finances, and reduced its ability to disburse subsidies and wealth as generously as it had been able to in the past.
Economic reforms aim to reduce unemployment from 11.6 percent to seven percent, according to goals outlined in the Vision 2030 plans.
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