In pursuit of a more efficient and effective labor market, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has unveiled a series of impressive achievements. These accomplishments realized in 2023, aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, highlight the priority given to several key goals:
- Over 1,000 government employees received training at international agencies, enhancing their work effectiveness.
- The job engagement index for civil servants surpassed the 2022 target, reflecting a more engaged public sector workforce.
- The National Training Campaign (Waad) facilitated training for over 16,000 private sector workers across various sectors.
- The skills accelerator program focused on improving the efficiency of Saudi employees in key industries, benefiting the national economy.
- Programs fostering self-employment and specialized skills development have benefitted more than 10,000 individuals.
- Over 500 people with disabilities were integrated into the workforce, promoting their economic participation.
- A comprehensive program for reporting work-related accidents was launched, prioritizing workers’ well-being.
- The “On Time” campaign ensured timely wage payment, with over 700,000 establishments complying with the wage protection system for nine million private sector employees.
Remarkable outcomes
These efforts have yielded significant results:
- The unemployment rate dropped from 12.8 percent in 2017 to 8.6 percent in the third quarter of 2023.
- Working conditions for expatriate workers saw a 73 percent improvement in 2023 compared to 2020.
- The percentage of establishments implementing safety and health measures surged from 15 percent in 2019 to 71.27 percent in 2023.
- Compliance with the wage protection system rose from 50 percent in 2017 to 86.9 percent in the third quarter of 2023.
- The percentage of employed individuals with disabilities increased from 7.7 percent in 2016 to 12.6 percent in the first half of 2024.
Various programs
Furthermore, the ministry has actively supported working women through various programs:
- The Wusool transportation program provided transportation services to 234,344 women employed in the private sector.
- The Qurrah program established centers for the children of working women, benefiting 26,363 women.
- More than 25,000 women trainees participated in programs to enhance their job market skills.
Marked progress
These initiatives have resulted in notable improvements:
- The share of women in the labor market rose to 34.2 percent by the third quarter of 2023, compared to 21.2 percent in 2017.
- The number of women in senior and middle management positions increased from 28.6 percent in 2017 to 43.7 percent by the third quarter of 2023.
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