Five job support programs launched for Saudis

The Minister of Labor and Social Development (MLSD), Dr. Ali Al-Ghafis, launched on Tuesday five new support programs for the employment of Saudi men and women.

The launching ceremony was held at the headquarters of the ministry in Riyadh.

Speaking on the occasion, Al-Ghafis said the new initiatives include Program to boost Saudization at firms, Freelance Program, Part-time Job Program, working women’s ‘Children Hospitality Program’ called ‘Qurrat’, and Program for Transportation of Working Women called “Wusool.”

He said the ministry is working to regulate the labor market and to empower young Saudi men and women by increasing employment opportunities through an effective strategic partnership with a number of government and private sectors.

The minister said the support programs will be instrumental in enabling the sons and daughters of this country to invest, work and participate in the nation’s economic development in line with the National Transformation Program 2020, which is one of the objectives of the Vision 2030.

Boost for women’s participation

Saleh Al-Amr, director general of the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf), said the programs will help opening job opportunities for Saudis in the private sector with a reduction in the cost of hiring plus an increase in the participation of more women in the labor market.

Under the programs, Hadaf will meet a part of the social insurance premium of Saudi employees.

He said that the Freelance Program is aimed at promoting male and female entrepreneurs in the labor market by making available social security support.

He urged the entrepreneurs to register with the program through its portal to take advantage of the benefits.

Those who are engaged in part-time jobs can also avail of social insurance benefits.

The programs ‘Qurrat’ and ‘Wusool’ will be a big boost for working women, he added.

This report was first published in Saudi Gazette.