Saudi work visa increased 100 percent during 2019 to reach 1.2 million workers, at a time when the number of Saudis in the workforce continues to grow to 1.8 million citizens, according to data disclosed by government officials.
Saudi Minister of Labor and Social Development, Ahmed al-Rajhi, explained that the Ministry issued 1.2 million work visas in 2019, compared to 600,000 work visas in 2018, indicating that this confirms the growth in the labor market.
The labor market grew and expanded to include new sectors, such as entertainment and e-commerce, amounting to $8.8 billion, announced Saudi Minister of Trade and Investment Majid al-Qasabi.
Qasabi was discussing areas in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the eastern region, allocated to the establishment of international centers for exhibitions and conferences, stressing the keenness of the Saudi Exhibition and Convention Bureau to facilitate procedures and revitalize the sector.
Vision 2030 represents hope and future for all sectors, said the Minister, noting that the government sector is competing with the private sector to develop and progress.
The Minister was speaking on the sidelines of the ceremony held by Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Sunday, on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Business Youth Committee.
Qasabi affirmed that change and reform are necessary and the private sector is a key partner at this stage, stressing the ministry’s interest in the proposals received regarding the issued decisions and regulations.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, President of the Riyadh Chamber, Ajlan Al-Ajlan, noted that the new sectors created a great commercial and economic movement and generated many job opportunities for Saudi youth of both genders, among them the entertainment sector.
Ajlan explained that e-commerce and its services are witnessing great expansion in the world and Saudi Arabia in particular, noting that it is one of the important sectors that opened the doors wide to accommodate the capabilities of the Saudi youth.
He pointed out that the Business Youth Committee promotes youth and entrepreneurial projects through its programs and initiatives that contribute to empowering, supporting, and motivating young people in line with the directions of Vision 2030.
The Minister noted that the Committee launched several programs and initiatives to provide a package of services that varied between consultations, marketing, and organizing exhibitions and forums to provide an opportunity for the youth to exchange experiences and expertise.