Labor Minister Adel Fakeih in an interview with Arab News on Thursday. (AN photos by Khidr Al-Zahrani)
By ARAB NEWS
Published: Aug 29, 2011 23:57 Updated: Aug 29, 2011 23:57
JEDDAH: Labor Minister Adel Fakeih said his ministry would soon announce the number of unemployed Saudi men and women and the number of jobs that would be created through the Nitaqat system.
"The Nitaqat system is doing fine and has received wide acceptance from businessmen and citizens, especially from those who were not getting enough incentives for nationalizing jobs," he said.
He said the system was introduced to encourage private companies to employ more Saudis and put an end to the unemployment problem among Saudis.
"If the private companies put a little effort in following the Nitaqat system it would have great impact," the minister said, adding, that those who abide by the system would enjoy a lot of benefits.
Speaking about the new recruitment system, Fakeih said it does not nullify the existing recruitment offices. Many recruitment offices have supported the new system and set up joint companies in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Abha, he pointed out.
On the objections raised by some investors against the new law, the minister said: "They have the right to raise objections and file them in the Court of Grievances or Shariah Courts to protect their interests."
Fakeih said the ministry set out the new recruitment law on the basis of its executive powers. "I would say that only a few recruitment offices have raised objections against the law," Al-Madinah Arabic daily quoted the minister as saying.
Referring to the issue of increasing the capital of recruitment companies, he said it was decided to make sure that they have the financial capability to do the job. "We have set up a new law to reorganize the visa issuing system. Those interested in joining this business should follow the new regulations," he added.
The minister said negotiations are still continuing with regard to recruitment of Indonesian maids. "We have not yet reached any final agreement. We'll announce it soon after reaching an agreement with Indonesia and the Philippines," he said.
