Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the start of implementing the first phase of Saudization in the licensed aviation professions in all regions of the Kingdom from Wednesday, March 15. The decision comes into force at the end of the grace period given earlier by the ministry to Saudize these professions.

The first phase covers four professions, such as air controller, air transporter, ground movement coordinator, and co-pilot. These include 60 percent Saudization in the profession of the fixed-wing pilot and 50 percent in the profession of a flight attendant. This decision applies to all private sector establishments operating in the labor market and employing five or more workers in the specified aviation professions. Saudi staff in the targeted professions are required to obtain professional accreditation from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

This move comes as a continuation of the ministry’s efforts aimed at providing a stimulating and productive work environment for male and female citizens, increasing their level of participation in the labor market, and enhancing their contribution to the economic system.

The ministry affirmed that it will provide a package of incentives to support private sector establishments to help them employ Saudis, including supporting the process of attracting and searching for suitable workers; supporting the necessary training and qualification process; assisting the employment process and job stability for Saudis; in addition to the priority of benefiting from all Saudization support programs available to the system, and the support and employment programs through the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF).

The decision comes within the framework of the cooperation of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development together with the supervisory authorities represented by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics and GACA in order to regulate the Saudi labor market, raise its efficiency, increase the participation of male and female citizens in the private sector, provide more quality job opportunities, and achieve job stability.

The ministry issued a guide that explains the details of the decision and the mechanism for its implementation. It stressed the need for establishments to abide by the implementation of the provisions of this decision, in order to avoid the statutory penalties that will be applied against the violators.