The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has announced the implementation of 100% Saudization in shopping malls and closed commercial spaces across the Kingdom. The decision follows a ministerial resolution to give 100% of jobs to Saudi nationals in all activities and professions in malls, barring a limited number of posts.
This was the first amongst the three decisions that H.E. Ahmed Al Rajhi issued in April this year. These decisions aim to create 51,000 jobs for Saudi nationals in the labor market.
The exempted activities and professions include cafes and restaurants, where the Saudization rate will be 50% and 40%, respectively. In addition to this, the percentage of non-Saudi staff should not exceed 20% of the total workforce at the mall.
There are also plans to increase the Saudization rates in major central supply market outlets in accordance with their classifications, professions, and the required percentages of Saudization specified in the guide.
The Government is providing support to those willing to join the retail sector by setting up academies that would teach the newcomers the essential skills to succeed within the retail ecosystem. Universities too are attempting to impose a six-month training program to help students willing to work in the industry part-time.
Expatriate employees that are currently working in malls can complete their contract tenure and then look for jobs within the Kingdom.
The ministry stressed the need to comply with the decisions issued to avoid facing any penalties.
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