SAUDIZATION: A Closer Look on Nitaqat

SAUDIZATION-A Closer Look on NitaqatOn Effect
 
The Nitaqat Program takes effect all over the Kingdom.  The Red and Yellow companies are beating the deadline in order for them to be qualified for the Saudization and eventually avoid the punitive measure sanctioned by the Ministry of Labor. 
 
In fact, there are lots of Saudi men and women who landed into jobs.  This is really beneficial for them because there are still lots of job available in the labor market.  Thus, there will be no more hassle for the Saudis to look for a job and get hired.
 
Duty Fulfilled
 
The response of the Saudi government in decreasing the unemployment rate of its fellowmen is really welcoming and commendable.  It is a manifestation that its government is not taking for granted the loud cry of the unemployed locals to have a job. 
 
Indeed, one of the major duties of the government is to provide job for its citizens, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is fulfilling its duty.
 
 Issue on Experiences and Qualifications
 
However, although the companies are very much willing to employ locals, still, there is major problem that confronts them.  It is the issue of qualifications. The reason behind is that, the applicants are unqualified and inexperienced.  This thing is a major concern of the Hiring Department of all companies. 
 
Why? It is because, they cannot merely entrust one particular job for the applicant who never possesses even basic qualifications.  The qualification is, indeed, a very big issue.
 
 Addressed the Issue
 
In response to this concern,  the Minister of Labor Adel Fakeih answered this matter in his interview with the Arab News, published last Aug 13, 2011.  His statement goes like this.
 
“…I really believe that the best way for Saudis to become qualified is for them to work. I don’t believe you have to have qualified Saudis first and then you have to employ them. The best qualification is experience; it is getting a job and being mentored and helped by some experienced person who knows the job so I’m not worried about that…They will turn the unqualified person, he or she, to a qualified person through working.  Well then, that’s good news.”
 
This is how the Minister addressed the issue regarding the hiring of unqualified Saudis.  It’s loud and clear, let the unqualified be hired and work and there will become qualified.