The head of the International Computer Driving License program in Saudi Arabia has said the organization is working on programs for the eradication of computer illiteracy to fight the Kingdom's 10.5 percent unemployment rate. Jamal Al-Hafdhi said the wide-ranging programs would help Saudi nationals improve their skills and avail themselves of job opportunities, “particularly in the areas of information technology and flourishing communications”. “The Kingdom is an important regional hub of information technology and communications and indeed all areas of work, so we are working to provide programs to help Saudi nationals gain access to these fields,” Al-Hafdhi said. “Our efforts cover all these areas given that basic informational technology skills are a main requirement for all prospective job applicants in all sectors.” Al-Hafdhi said that the ICDL provides unemployed Saudis with “greater and better choices” by improving their skills and thereby their competitiveness in the job market. A report by the Ministry of Labor has revealed moves to reduce the Kingdom's dependence on foreign workers by providing comprehensive training programs for Saudis to qualify them for a variety of sectors while encouraging private companies to employ more Saudis. The Shoura Council, meanwhile, is conducting discussions to produce a more effective strategy for the employment of half a million unemployed Saudis. The International Computer Driving License is an international standard certification in the theoretical and practical use of computers delivered in 148 countries through 41 languages.
