What is Nitaqat law?

The Nitaqat law makes it mandatory for local companies to hire one Saudi national for every 10 migrant workers. Indians form the largest expatriate community in Saudi Arabia and their contribution in the progress and development of there is well recognised.

What is the consequence of Nitaqat?

The strict adherence to the Nitaqat regulations will result in immediate job losses and reduced job opportunities. Many small scale shops and establishments in Saudi Arabia are run by Keralites under licences in the names of Saudi nationals.

Which country has recently decided to implement Nitaqat law?

Saudi Arabia’s Nitaqat law, designed to localize labor, could cost hundreds of thousands of expatriates their jobs. The prospect of unemployment and even deportation has triggered a wave of anxiety among Indian expatriates in the desert kingdom.

What is Nitaqat in Saudi Arabia?

Nitaqat is a nationalisation scheme implemented by the government in Saudi Arabia which requires Saudi companies to fill up their workforce to certain levels with Saudi nationals. The programme, also known as ‘Saudization’, aims to increase the employment of Saudi nationals in the private sector. …

Which profession is banned in Saudi Arabia?

23 Job Professions are banned for Women in Saudi Arabia

• Working with petroleum derivatives.
• Working with sewage underground.
• Excavation & Coal Industry.
• The painting which may require standing on a high scaffolding.
• Construction.
• Ovens melting iron.
• Energy generation.
• Oxygen welding.

What is nitaqat program?

The Ministry of Labor of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched the Nitaqat (which means ‘Ranges’ in Arabic) program to increase job opportunities for its citizens in the private sector. The Nitaqat program replaces the previous nationalization of jobs program ‘Saudization’.

What is kafala Labour system?

The kafala system in Saudi Arabia previously tied workers to their employers, or sponsors, who are responsible for the employees’ visa and legal status. The new law would limit the relationship between employers and expatriate workers under the system, who primarily work in construction and domestic work.

When did nitaqat start?

2011
Nitaqat’s first version was launched in 2011 to encourage the localization of jobs and set a minimum wage for Saudis in the private sector. The program’s first step was increasing the minimum wage to SR3,000 ($800). It was later expanded to SR4,000 at the beginning of the second quarter this year.

What is Saudization policy?

Saudization’, officially known as Saudi nationalization scheme, or Nitaqat system in Arabic, is the newest policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia implemented by its Ministry of Labor, whereby Saudi companies and enterprises are required to fill up their workforce with Saudi nationals up to certain levels.

Do Saudis have to work?

In the private sector, there has been a reluctance to employ Saudis and Saudization is generally considered to have been a failure. Saudis themselves may be unwilling to take certain jobs, considering them to lack social value. The Saudi government only recognises contracts for foreign workers written in Arabic.