- Home » Expat News » Expats in Saudi fear for the future as permitted job sectors shrink
Expats In Saudi Fear For The Future As Permitted Job Sectors Shrink
Published: | 6 Feb at 6 PM |
Want to get involved?
Become a
Featured Expatand take our interview.
Become a
Local Expertand contribute articles.
Get in
touchtoday!
Major changes in Saudi Arabia’s job market are causing expats to fear for their futures in the Kingdom.
At the present time, Saudi has the biggest percentage of citizens in the workplace of any GCC country, and is looking to increase the numbers still further. Some 66 per cent of Saudi’s total population are nationals, 70 per cent of whom are below 30 years of age. The population is still growing due to the ‘baby boom’ years following the oil boom, and more and more younger citizens are demanding jobs.
These new job-seekers are facing competition from expats who’ve cornered jobs in numerous sectors and are unwilling to give them up as they’ve worked in their professions for many years, helping grow the country’s economy as a result. For some years, Saudi lawmakers have moved to reduce dependence on foreign expertise and open up the jobs markets to an increasing number of Saudis. Restricting expats from working in certain sectors was one move, and introducing females into the retail marketplace was controversial but is ongoing.
The recent announcement that women drivers, formerly banned from being behind the wheel, will be able to work providing taxis for women passengers was another shock to the Saudi system, causing religious leaders to protest the move without success. Expats at all levels of employment are becoming increasingly worried about the possibility of having to leave Saudi Arabia for pastures new as most job opportunities may eventually be closed to foreigners.
However, Saudi employers are not so sure being forced to let go of their expat staff is such a good business strategy. Complaints are being heard about the lack of discipline and training as well as the general unwillingness to work hard of younger Saudi employees. Business owners sympathise with the government’s position but, given the choice, most would prefer to stay with their tried and true expat staff rather than see them packing their bags and leaving for their home countries.
Comments » No published comments just yet for this article...
Feel free to have your say on this item. Go on... be the first!
RECENT NEWS
What Is A Bakfiets And Why Does Your Family Need One?
In this article, Jaime Silva, the founder of BOAH Bikes, talks about the role of the cargo bikes in the lives of many ... Read more
Increase Your Mortgage To Buy A Horse
No, the title isn't a mistake. Egle Kemezyte, from Mister Mortgage, overviews the primary reasons why people opt to incr... Read more
5 Quirky Things You Should Know About Dutch Culture
Tulips. Clogs. Windmills. Giant wheels of Gouda cheese. Tulip farmers in clogs holding giant wheels of Gouda cheese posi... Read more
Should You Buy Or Rent A Home In The Netherlands?
When you first move to a new country, usually you will start with renting a house. After some time, you might want to co... Read more
The Changes To Non-compete Laws In The Netherlands From 2025
The non-competition clause is often a standard part of most Dutch employment contracts. However, a new bill has been pa... Read more
Why You Need A Dutch Bank Account As An International Student
Are you an international student who is planning to do an exchange or enrol in a degree programme in the Netherlands? AB... Read more