announced Saudization, or nationalization program, will create jobs for Saudis in this country, according to Hattab Al-Enezi, the Ministry of Labor's Director of Public Relations, in a report carried by Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic daily newspaper. He was responding to critics saying the plan will create a black market in visas and will not mean more jobs for Saudis. Allowing foreigners to move more freely to other jobs, without getting permission from their employers, will by definition increase the supply of foreign workers onto the market and not necessarily through recruitment, said Al-Enezi. He said this measure is one of the most important incentives given to companies which fall into the green and excellent zones. To benefit from this advantage, they need to increase the percentage of Saudization in their companies. “Instead of being preoccupied with futile arguments about the possibility of the emergence of a black market, they should concentrate on how they can benefit from the countless concessions the system provides. It is better for them to stop lamenting because the system won't be changed under any circumstances. They should use their time, effort and resources to move from the dangerous to the safe zones. Those who are leading this skeptical campaign are those who have a low percentage of Saudization. The ministry announced the program Saturday which divides companies into various color categories. Private companies in the green and premium categories – the companies who are abiding by Saudization rules or who have exceptional track records in this regard — would enjoy many benefits and incentives from Sept. 10 for their efforts in employing more Saudis.
