Localization program receives a shot in the arm with 178,219 firms expressing support

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s program “Support the growth of localization of enterprises” is making great strides, with 178,219 establishments having expressed support.

This was announced recently by Khaled Aba Al-Khail, spokesman for the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, citing the program’s latest statistics.

The ministry spokesman added that the program contributes to the realization of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan, with an increasing participation by Saudis in the labor market.

Aba Al-Khail added that the program serves all establishments in the private sector, which are active members of the social insurance system administered by the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI).

He said that the social insurance fund contributes a percentage of the monthly social insurance contribution on behalf of the establishments whose number of employees has increased.

He pointed out that the support for employees is directed to the enterprises with the goal of stimulating the employment of Saudi nationals.

He added that the insurance fund also aims to fill the wage gap and cover the costs of placement as well as on-the-job training, among other things.

Aba Al-Khail called on all establishments in the Kingdom to avail themselves of the benefits under the program, adding that those who wish to register may enter the account of the establishment on the GOSI website.

Earlier, many respondents in the Bayt.com “Nationalization in the GCC” poll revealed that the Kingdom has effective localization policies.

A majority of KSA respondents (60 percent) believe their current workplace has effective localization policies, with 37.04 percent believing that the policies are very effective.

Fewer than one in 10 respondents believe localization policies at their place of work are not effective at all.