SeghayerUnemployment in Saudi Arabia, according to the latest official figures, is 9.6 percent of the total Saudi labor force (15 years and older). This means there are 300,000 unemployed people in the Kingdom. As you read this statement, you may wonder what led to such a situation, what could be its consequences, and what are the solutions to this worrisome national social problem. Various causes can be attributed to young Saudis remaining unemployed or unemployable. There are many job openings in the country. However, young Saudi job seekers lack the required qualifications and skills specified by employers. This is the result, as academicians believe, of the current Saudi education system. The emphasis in Saudi higher education is on theoretical studies and as a result graduates do not meet the needs of the market, which mostly requires technical and vocational specialists. It is a fact that there are job opportunities out there for young Saudis, but employers, especially in the private sector, often offer unattractive salaries and require long working hours. These employers also expect from Saudi employees the same level of commitment they receive from foreign workers without considering other equated social and living standards the Saudi employees bring with them to their work environment. A recent study conducted by the Human Resources Development Fund highlighted the problem. It indicated that 45 percent of young Saudis refuse to work for private companies because of the attitude of employers. The current unemployment situation in the Kingdom is also the direct result of the attitude of our young Saudis toward work. Young Saudis typically do not show true commitment to their jobs, do not behave professionally, and often are absent because of their unplanned social engagements. Their limited knowledge of the English language and insufficient computer skills also stand in their way. The aggravating unemployment situation is a dangerous threat to society and often leads to short- and long-term consequences. The current level of unemployment should be tackled on a war-footing to avoid any threat to the economic, social, and intellectual security of the country. To reach practical and workable solutions, a strategic plan should be drawn up jointly by all governmental bodies and sectors, and it should be implemented soon. Such a plan should consider initiating large-scale training programs suitable for all vocations required by the job market. This will equip all unemployed graduates to take up jobs offered by the market. The strategic plan should also address the behavioral aspects of Saudi youths in an environment of employment. Education should also be part of it so that technical and vocational education is introduced at an early stage. Furthermore, the plan should consider creating new employment opportunities for young Saudis instead of using them to replace non-Saudi workers, as the market can accommodate both Saudis and non-Saudis. Providing new job opportunities, especially in some establishments, such as banks, media companies, and health enterprises, should attract young Saudi job seekers because of the attractive salaries and benefits usually offered by these organizations. Establishing a labor union should be the top priority of the recommended plan. Labor unions would undertake the responsibility of regulating the Saudi workforce and looking after the rights and entitlements of Saudi workers. The plan should also establish a minimum wage and a limited number of working hours. For the successful implementation of the strategic plan, an independent authority with representatives from all involved parties should be created. Its main mission would be to implement the plan and eliminate all possible hindrances. Unemployment is a ticking time bomb, and we must act to defuse this situation which affects a large proportion of our youth. (The writer is a Saudi academic who can be reached at [email protected]) __
