RIYADH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) announced the start of implementing the decision to Saudize the optical sector effective from Saturday, March 18 in all regions of the Kingdom. This was after the end of the grace period granted by the ministry to Saudize optical professions in all private sector establishments where there are four or more workers. This move to implement 50 percent Saudization in some optical professions, which are specified in the target occupations table of the ministry, is expected to create 1000 jobs for Saudis. These professions include medical optometrist and eyeglasses technician. It is required that Saudi workers in the professions are required to have obtained accreditation in their respective health specialties. This move comes as a continuation of the ministry's efforts aimed at providing a stimulating and productive work environment for male and female citizens and increasing their level of participation in the labor market and enhancing their contribution to the economic system. The ministry confirmed that it will provide a package of incentives related to supporting private sector establishments to help them employ Saudis. These include support for the recruitment process and the search for a suitable worker; support for the necessary training and qualification process; assistance for the employment process and job stability for Saudis, in addition to the priority of benefiting from all available localization support programs in the ministry's system. The ministry will execute support and employment programs through the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF), in order to organize the Saudi labor market, develop it and raise its efficiency, as well as to increase the participation of male and female citizens in the private sector, and providing more quality job opportunities and achieving job stability. The ministry has issued a guide that contained details of the decision and the mechanism for its implementation. It stressed the need for establishments to abide by the implementation of this decision, in order to avoid the statutory penalties that will be applied against the violators.
