Govt fund to pay difference Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – The Ministry of Labor is working on a new program to set the minimum salary for Saudi nationals working in the private sector at SR3,000. The program is expected to be implemented by Rabi Al-Thani 1433H (March, 2012). The program, which is being prepared in cooperation with the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf), aims to retain Saudi employees in the private sector by making their minimum salary equal to that in the public sector. Ibrahim Aal Al-Mu'aiqil, Director General of the Hadaf, told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that the Fund would compensate for Saudis working in the private sector who draw less than SR2,000. Hadaf would pay the difference amount, he said. This would prevent Saudi employees from resigning and registering for the Hafiz Program for unemployed citizens. A source at Hadaf told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that the Fund was striving to raise salaries in the private sector, particularly in professions like those of security guards and drivers. He pointed out that arrangements are going on to sign agreements with a number of private sector companies to encourage Saudi youth to join the private sector. The source said that the Fund is striving to support private sector companies and establishments with qualified Saudi youths, so they can begin working based on a clear program. The source confirmed that Hadaf is making it obligatory on private companies to provide a minimum salary of SR3,000 for Saudi nationals. The aim is to encourage work and foster job stability in private sector companies. A number of officials in private sector companies said that if such an undertaking is implemented, it will create employment stability for youth. They said adopting this program will create thousands of job opportunities in the coming year. They emphasized that youth are in dire need of a program that supports them and provides them with employment stability. It is noteworthy that many private sector companies and establishments have reacted positively to the royal orders to set the minimum salary for Saudi employees at SR3,000. __
