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Saudi Arabia Tops 67 Countries in Global Employment Growth Index

One of the employment forums in the Jazan region, located in southern Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of the employment forums in the Jazan region, located in southern Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Tops 67 Countries in Global Employment Growth Index

One of the employment forums in the Jazan region, located in southern Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of the employment forums in the Jazan region, located in southern Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s labor market continues to set records and lead global rankings. The Kingdom, which was at the top of G20 workforce participation from 2016 to 2021, now leads in employment and labor market growth among 67 countries in the Global Competitiveness Yearbook 2024.

The Saudi government is making several changes to labor laws to align with national strategies and international agreements. Recently, the Cabinet approved amendments to the labor law to support the market and improve conditions in productive and service sectors, aiming to create a more attractive work environment.

According to the National Labor Observatory, Saudi Arabia ranked third in labor market effectiveness legislation and fourth in skilled foreign labor in the Global Competitiveness Yearbook 2024.

The Kingdom also achieved fifth place in the labor market index and sixth in working hours. Additionally, Saudi Arabia ranked tenth in employee training.

Job Opportunities

The latest report shows that Saudi Arabia has improved its labor market rankings, moving from 24th place in 2022 to 16th place this year.

Last Tuesday, the Saudi Cabinet approved amendments to labor laws to improve job stability and protect rights, while enhancing human resources development and increasing job opportunities for Saudi citizens.

Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi said these changes reflect the government's strong support and ongoing efforts to align labor laws with global best practices.

The amendments involved extensive consultations with private sector companies, government agencies, and labor experts.

National Workforce

The amendments are expected to boost market efficiency and meet the needs of employers and employees. Over 1,300 participants contributed to the revisions, which included 38 changes, the removal of seven provisions, and the addition of two new provisions.

In July, the number of Saudi citizens joining the private sector for the first time rose to over 34,600, more than doubling from June. The total number of private sector workers reached 11.473 million, with Saudi employees numbering over 2.342 million.

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Russia’s Inflation Reaches 9.5% This Year, Weekly Data Shows

Pedestrians walk to an underground passage at Manezhnaya Square decorated for Christmas and the New Year festivities with the Historical Museum and the Kremlin Wall in the background in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (AP)
Pedestrians walk to an underground passage at Manezhnaya Square decorated for Christmas and the New Year festivities with the Historical Museum and the Kremlin Wall in the background in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (AP)
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Russia’s Inflation Reaches 9.5% This Year, Weekly Data Shows

Pedestrians walk to an underground passage at Manezhnaya Square decorated for Christmas and the New Year festivities with the Historical Museum and the Kremlin Wall in the background in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (AP)
Pedestrians walk to an underground passage at Manezhnaya Square decorated for Christmas and the New Year festivities with the Historical Museum and the Kremlin Wall in the background in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (AP)

Russia's inflation has reached 9.5% this year, according to new weekly data showing that the consumer price index rose by 0.33% in the week leading up to Dec. 23, the statistical agency Rosstat reported on Wednesday.

This data follows the central bank's unexpected decision last week to maintain its key interest rate at 21%. The regulator said recent tightening has created conditions conducive to reducing inflation towards its target of 4%.

The agency indicated that seasonally volatile prices for fruit and vegetables contributed significantly to the overall increase, with cucumber prices rising by 8.3% and tomato prices by 1.9% in just one week.

Among less seasonally sensitive foods, the price of eggs increased by 1.7%, and frozen fish by 1.4%. The central bank had initially estimated this year's inflation at a maximum of 8.5%.

The central bank's monetary policy department's head Andrei Gangan told the Interfax news agency on Dec. 24 that full-year inflation will be between 9.6% and 9.8%.

Inflationary expectations among households for the coming year also reached 13.9% in December, the highest level since the beginning of the year.

In a report on its inflationary expectations survey, the central bank said respondents were most concerned about rising prices for milk, dairy products, eggs, meat, and fish.

It also said respondents have begun to notice increases in the prices of home appliances and electronic devices.