The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has conducted a study to specify a number of occupations proposed for Saudization in the communications and information technology sector. In the light of this study, qualitative initiatives contributing to Saudization will be launched in the near future, Saudi Press Agency quoted Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim Al-Suwaiyel, minister of communications and information technology as saying Saturday. This will be through studying supply and demand for these professions and analyzing their importance, the need to Saudize them and their priorities, the minister said. Dr. Al-Suwaiyel confirmed that the Saudization of the telecommunications and information technology sector in the Kingdom is forging ahead according to the joint plan between the ministries of communications and information technology, labor, commerce and industry and municipal and rural affairs, aiming at increasing job opportunities for Saudis. Al-Suwaiyel deemed the telecommunications and information technology sector as one of the important sectors in the Kingdom. Its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated at 6 percent in 2015. In the case of neutralizing the petroleum and minerals sector in the GDP, the contribution of the telecommunications sector is then estimated at 10 percent in 2015. This is according to estimates by a study issued recently by the Telecommunications and Information Technology Market Studies Administration, with a rise in the added value for the telecommunications activity during the past three years. It also has a direct effect on many other sectors, like health, education, commerce and information, among others. Apart from these, the telecommunications and information technology means and devices have become a part of daily life for all segments of the society. The minister added: "The ministry supports Saudization of the sector with modern training programs and incentive plans to encourage the private sector to implement the Saudization decision. The program is being carried out through participation with the other ministries. A number of training programs have been carried out in different regions of the Kingdom to support the youth in practicing the telecommunications and information technology professions, especially in e-commerce." Al-Suwaiyel confirmed that the authorities concerned with implementation of the Saudization decision have controls and penalties that will be imposed on violators of the decision, according to the powers and responsibilities of each authority. He added that the authorities concerned are carrying out integrated efforts in training the young Saudi men and women leading to their employment. Aside from this, there is the inspection program.
