Saudi HR minister, business leaders discuss labor-market challenges

Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmad Al-Rajhi on Tuesday met business representatives of the private sector in Makkah.

During the meeting at the headquarters of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce, Al-Rajhi reviewed the labor-market strategy and achievements between 2019 and 2023 and was told about the main challenges and opportunities in the private sector.

Figures showed that the number of Saudis working in the private sector had increased from 1.7 million to 2.3 million, while women’s participation rose from 17 percent to 35.3 percent, surpassing the Vision 2030 target of 30 percent.

Al-Rajhi lauded the private sector’s role in enhancing development and supporting the labor-market strategy and he noted the importance of using national cadres in seasonal work and empowering the country’s youth in professions that would help develop their skills.

The minister pointed out that seasonal visas — that he estimated could number 59,000 this year — assisted companies with staffing issues during specific seasons, such as Hajj and Umrah.

Following his speech, talks took place with the Makkah business delegates and chamber committee chairs of Hajj and Umrah, transportation, subsistence, and hotels, among others.

Al-Rajhi suggested that his ministry and the chamber set up a task force to investigate mutual challenges and opportunities.