RIYADH — Saudi Arabia started on Wednesday, Sept. 1, the first phase of localization of educational jobs in private schools and international schools for boys and girls. This is in line with a decision of Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi in May this year and that targets to Saudize a specific percentage of jobs so as to create 28,000 jobs for Saudis in a number of subjects in various phases of public education. Saudization will be implemented in specific proportions in a number of specializations over several phases within a span of the coming three years. The first phase of Saudization in the international schools covers specializations of the Arabic language, national identity, Islamic studies, social studies, art education, and physical education. The decision also aims to increase Saudization rates in private schools in all disciplines, including mathematics, physics, biology, science and computer. The ministerial decision stipulated a grace period from the date of its issuance until the date of implementation of the decision in each phases. During the grace period, the establishment can work on to achieve its targeted Saudization rates. A package of incentives and support will be provided to these establishments as part of supporting private sector establishments in employing Saudis. According to the procedural guide for Saudization of private education, the Saudization percentage of one teacher will be calculated only if his/her monthly wage registered in the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) is not less than SR5,000 for a bachelor's degree holder or its equivalent qualification. Those teachers who receive a wage less than SR5.000 will not be counted in the Saudization percentage. The decision aims to create 28,000 educational jobs for the sons and daughters of the country in private schools and international schools during the next three years. This decision comes in line with the ministry's plan to Saudize and increase opportunities for Saudi men and women to participate in the labor market and thus contributing to the gross domestic product (GDP).
