The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) will only support a Saudi job seeker for a total of 24 months at two different private sector companies, the organization announced on its website recently. This is one of several conditions the HRDF has introduced as part of its program to bolster job creation efforts in the Kingdom. After the initial support for 12 months at the first company, there must be a 90-day interval before assistance can be provided at the second company for the final 12 months. Saudis must also get a clearance certificate as proof that employment has ended at the first company. There should also be verification provided by the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI). The HRDF's assistance during the 24-month period will be restricted to paying part of the monthly salary and training during that period. If a job seeker requires additional training to get a job, then the HRDF will not bear the expenses. Saudi job seekers can get additional support if they are forced to move to another company due to factors beyond their control, such as arbitrary termination of services or if the company closed down. All such applications are reviewed by the relevant HRDF committees. The HRDF was established in August 2000 by Royal Decree to encourage the employment of Saudi nationals in the private sector by bearing 50 percent of the employee's salary for the first two years. It pays a percentage of the salary of any trainee hired by a private firm after finishing his training. The same support is provided for new recruits of the firm. The HRDF also conducts studies and research related to job creation. __
