The implementation of the second phase of Hafiz launched by Minister of Labor Engineer Osama Fakeeh on Tuesday has been designed in a way to not enable the beneficiaries to circumvent the law and get the financial aid illegally. Undoubtedly, it is a step on the right path, especially when the Hafiz system enters into force as it gives a thrust to Nitaqat System in the interest of the citizens. The implementation of the two systems will effectively help in finding suitable jobs for the Saudi jobseekers in the labor market with reasonable wages. The assurance by Fakeeh that his ministry will launch a package of programs in the next stage, along with the Human Resources Development Fund in the coming three months, is a new trend that reflects the determination of the government to localize jobs in the Kingdom. This new trend is basically meant to overcome any shortcoming or loophole in the Hafiz System which gives financial aid to the jobseekers for a period of 12 months. It is also meant to make them benefit from the Nitaqat and Hafiz systems to the most. In conclusion the two programs have been designed by the Ministry of Labor to boost the nationalization of private sector jobs. This direct intervention aims to yield quick results and give Saudi nationals a better standing in the labor market. The Nitaqat Program is more dynamic and derives its nationalization quotas from the actual performance of private businesses that varies according to their line of business as well as the size of work force. This ministry's regulations also care for and protect the interest of the private sector workers whether they are local or foreigners. While Neqat caters for the national labor, the ministry has new iniatives for guest workers in the pipeline. Before year's end, the ministry will announce a number of new regulations and services for guest workers. This will include a new framework for recruitment agencies. The system will ensure that salaries and wages are duly paid, hence reducing potential labor disputes and disagreements. __
