SAUDI ENVOY ALLAYS FEARS OF JOBS DRYING UP FOR INDIANS

NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, hinging on mega projects such as NEOM economic zone and Qiddiya entertainment city, will open up investment opportunities for Indian firms and more jobs for Indian professionals, the Saudi envoy said on Thursday, trying to play down fears that jobs for Indians may be drying up in the West Asian country.

The long-term plan, the brainchild of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Sultan, envisions major structural changes such as a shift to non-oil revenues. It is also aimed at creating more employment for Saudis in a country that has traditionally depended on foreign workers, another factor stoking fears of job losses for Indians. Ambassador Saud bin Mohammed al-sati allayed such concerns, saying Vision 2030 will lead to new opportunities for Indian firms and professionals in areas such as hospitality, tourism, IT and entertainment.

“It’s very natural when you expand your economy and introduce mega projects like NEOM, new railroads, airports and sea ports and Qiddiya entertainment city, the expectation is there will be more jobs. New jobs will be created for our citizens and India will continue to be a close and strong partner with Saudi Arabia,” he said. “I don’t see a connection between a particular nationality and changes that might happen in the Saudi economy and labour market…we will continue hiring doctors, nurses, IT professionals (from India).”

Despite fears of job losses in recent years, statistics “show the opposite in relation to Indian workers and professionals”, and their numbers in all sectors of the economy had increased, he added.