Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Minister of Civil Service Dr. Abdulrahman Bin Abdullah Al-Barrak on Sunday outlined the four-pronged strategy adopted by his ministry to streamline its functioning. Appearing before the Shoura Council, the minister gave an account of the ministry's plan for Saudization, training and enhancement of impartiality, responsibility and transparency. He summarized his ministry's strategy according to four fields: organization and regulations, personnel, technology and cultural change and improving the work environment. Al-Barrak said a royal decree issued this March laid down a five-year plan for the Saudization of jobs occupied by non-Saudis and assigned the Ministry of Civil Service to supervise and follow-up the Saudization process. The decree, he said, also envisages that his ministry should outline obstacles facing the Saudization drive. Accordingly, he said, his ministry has made all the procedural arrangements and written to the government authorities outlining its observations in this regard. Al-Barrak added that the ministry's branches were granted expanded liabilities in the fields of promotion of workforce, transfers, vacations and other office procedures. Responding to a question from a member, the minister disclosed that jobs represent 37 percent of government portfolios, with female teachers representing 45 percent of the workforce in the field of education. Asked about the gap in salaries and privileges between some sectors, institutions and government authorities, Al-Barrak said the Ministry of Civil Service has presented a study following royal directives on this issue. The study is now being looked into by the Council of Ministers. Discussing employment, he said the ministry is handling a huge number of graduates and the waiting lists are logged in its “Jadarah” system. By establishing the Jadarah (capability) Program, the ministry is striving to develop a group of criteria for the selection process related to qualifications, cumulative grades, and seniority in graduation. Jadarah will use professional examinations that enable the selection of the efficient candidate and achieve equal opportunities and justice.
