JEDDAH — The Ministry of Labor and Social Development will consolidate its database to decrease the rate of unemployment. Economist Wasif Kabli said the decision was issued as part of the National Reformation Program, which aims at unifying the efforts of the various ministries and combining them for better productivity. "The two ministries used to be one in the past and then they expanded to split later on. Now that the two ministries have been merged again, the database will be consolidated to accurately measure the rate of unemployment in the Kingdom. The decision will also organize the distribution of social insurance and ensure that social insurance is always given to the rightful beneficiaries," said Kabli. He also said future job seekers and trainees will be able to find jobs easily. "The Ministry of Labor and Social Development will be able to follow up with job seekers and the unemployed. With a consolidated database, the ministry can now offer the right services and consultancy to people," said Kabli. Jeddah International College Dean Nadiah Baeshin said merging the responsibilities of the two ministries may distract them from performing their main tasks. "The Ministry of Labor still has many obstacles to overcome and challenges to tackle such as Saudization, unemployment and other urgent matters. The merger may hinder its progress on these and distract it from accomplishing in these issues," said Baeshin. On the other hand, businesswoman Rabiah Salamah said unemployment and social security should go hand in hand. "Those enrolled on the Ministry of Social Affair's sustenance fund are usually unemployed. Therefore, when the database is consolidated, officials can filter out the unemployed and the social security beneficiaries easily," said Salamah. She added the decision will not only improve the status of the Saudi individual but also the Saudi family.
