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Sep 26 2011

Contractors keen to hire Saudis despite low localization target

By By IBRAHIM NAFFEE JEDDAH: Expatriate engineers at construction companies have claimed their employers intend to lay off foreigners and replace them with locals in a bid to fulfill the requirements of the Nitaqat program, which aims to improve employment opportunities for citizens.

The companies are only required to ensure 5 percent of their staff are Saudi to avoid disrupting important projects.

"There is a need to reduce the number of foreign workers and replace them with national cadres, but the construction companies need to ensure work on projects remains stable and laying off foreign workers on some of these contracts can lead to unnecessary delays," said Jamal Mesbah, a Jordanian engineer in Jeddah.

"Administrative positions in construction companies are suitable for Saudis. However, expatriates are better qualified to work in technical positions due to their experience in this area. At the same time, the Labor Office does not force construction companies to hire a high number of Saudis, both in administrative or technical positions," Mesbah added.

Abu Ismael, an engineer who works on construction projects in Riyadh, said: "My company intends to lay off five technicians and two engineers, to meet its 5 percent Saudization quota as set by the Labor Ministry. However, there are already large numbers of Saudis working in the administrative and financial departments of the company."

Abdullah Bakr Radwan, who heads the contractors' committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers, confirmed that according to a decision of the Council of Ministers the Saudization target for construction companies is 5 percent. He also unveiled an initiative to reform the industry so that it provides more jobs to locals.

"This scheme helps young Saudis to open small enterprises to carry out restoration and maintenance work. This initiative will help create many jobs for Saudis. We will coordinate with several parties to secure funding for the scheme and we will provide substantial support to help Saudis work in technical jobs in the construction field."

© Arab News 2011

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