Makkah newspaper

In 2016, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs ordered all private sector companies to only employ Saudis in their human resources departments. The orders were clear that non-Saudis were not permitted to work in human resources.

These directions were aimed at reducing conflict between Saudis and non-Saudis in the private sector. Non-Saudis working in human resources were known to overlook Saudi applicants in favor of non-Saudis except in rare cases. Non-Saudis in charge of human resources were also known to place obstacles in front of Saudis interested in jobs. I have seen companies where non-Saudis employed as heads of divisions and departments did not welcome Saudis and refused to let them work with them. Some of them treat Saudis unfairly in order to make them quit.

Despite the clear orders from the ministry, some private sectors still circumvent the laws and assign non-Saudis to interview Saudis. These non-Saudis usually give misleading information to interviewees regarding salaries to discourage them from joining the company. I have read several stories posted by Saudis on social media about their experiences in such interviews.

If this information is true, it violates the code of work ethics. It could also harm a company’s reputation, especially if the misleading information were to spread. Nobody wants to work for a company that is in financial difficulties. If a negative image is given about a company, it will stick.

The coming few months will see great competition among companies to attract qualified Saudis and the average salary will increase. Employers have no choice but to hire Saudis and pay them reasonable salaries. Saudis have today become more aware of their legal rights.