MUST-READS

• 234,000 domestic workers joined Saudi employment market in a year

  According to a survey conducted by Okaz newspaper, among these domestic workers, the number of women who joined the labor market as maids and house cleaners made up the highest share, with about 231000, bringing the total number of female workers as maids and house cleaners in the Kingdom to 1.24 million. The number of male house workers in these categories stood at about 40000, bringing their total number to 480000. The total number of male and female domestic workers rose to 3.97 million, including 2.73 million men and 1.25 million women, distributed across many professions, most notably servants and house cleaners, drivers, cooks and food providers, guards of houses, residential and commercial buildings and rest houses, home managers, home gardeners, home nurses, tailors, and private teachers.

• Saudi wages rise 45% as unemployment hits historic low of 3.3% in 2024
  Wages for Saudis in the private sector rose by 45 per cent in 2024, as Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development reported significant strides in employment, women’s empowerment, and economic development aligned with Vision 2030 targets.The ministry highlighted the impact of women’s increased economic participation, with their labour market engagement rising to 35.8 per cent, surpassing Vision 2030 goals. Women now hold 43 per cent of middle and senior management positions. “The increase in wages and the rise in women’s workforce participation demonstrate a growing appreciation for national competencies and our efforts to improve productivity while fostering a balanced work environment,” the ministry said in a statement.

• Anti-corruption squad arrests Saudi government employees

  Government employees were among 145 people arrested in Saudi Arabia over corruption charges last month. The country’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) conducted 1,462 “oversight visits” in December, during which 390 accused individuals were investigated and the arrests made. Those involved worked for a range of government agencies including the ministries of the interior, defence, justice, health, education, municipalities and housing, Nazaha said. Those arrested, some of whom were released on bail, are accused of crimes including bribery and abuse of authority.

• Saudi Arabia’s unemployment rate hits 3.7%: GASTAT

  Saudi Arabia’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.7 percent in the third quarter of 2024, down 0.5 percentage points from last year, official data showed. According to data released by the General Authority for Statistics, labor force participation across Saudis and non-Saudis reached 66.6 percent during the third quarter, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 0.2 percentage points and a quarterly rise of 0.4 percentage points. The unemployment rate increased by 0.4 percentage points compared to the second quarter of this year.

• Saudi Arabia bans use of ‘sponsor,’ mandates ’employer’ for government and private entities
  The Ministry of Commerce in Saudi Arabia has instructed both government and private entities to refrain from using the term 'sponsor' and instead use 'employer' in all official documents. The ministry emphasised that, according to Article 2 of the Labour Law, the term 'employer' refers to "any natural or legal person who employs one or more workers in return for a wage." This directive was conveyed through a letter sent by the Ministry to the Federation of Saudi Chambers, which subsequently issued a circular to chambers of commerce and industry across the Kingdom.

• Commerce ministry recalls 28,806 Ford Explorer vehicles

  The Ministry of Commerce announced the recall of 28,806 Ford Explorer vehicles, 2011 – 2019 models. This was attributed to a defect in the installation of the external side covers of the windshield supports, which may lead to their separation from the vehicle, posing a danger to road users and increasing the risk of an accident. The ministry called on users of the vehicles included in the recall to contact the local agents, Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Company, on the toll-free number (8007492222), and Mohammed Yousuf Naghi Company, on the toll-free number (8001240218), to carry out the necessary repairs free of charge.

• 7 government employees among 13 arrested after dismantling of 2 drug trafficking networks

  The Saudi security authorities have busted two criminal networks involved in drug smuggling and trafficking in the Riyadh and Jazan regions. A total of 13 gang members were arrested and they included seven government employees and six foreigners, according to an official source at the Ministry of Interior. The arrested people included two employees of the Ministry of Defense, one employee of the Ministry of Interior and four employees of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, in addition to three Yemeni and Syrian residents each. They were referred to the Public Prosecution after taking the necessary legal measures, the source said.

• Commerce ministry: Stop using the term ‘sponsor’ and use ’employer’ instead

  The Ministry of Commerce has instructed all government and private entities that they should not use the term 'sponsor' and should be satisfied with the term 'employer'. The ministry emphasized that Article 2 of the Labor Law defines employer as "any natural or legal person who employs one or more workers in return for a wage." The ministry's directive came in a letter sent by it to the Federation of Saudi Chambers. In turn, the federation has conveyed the ministry's directive through a circular sent to chambers of commerce and industry in various regions of the Kingdom. It was stated in the circular that the definition of 'worker' is any natural person, male or female, who works for the benefit of the employer and under his management or supervision in return for a wage.

• British Explorer to Cross Saudi Arabia on Foot on January 1 in Historic Expedition

  British explorer and TV presenter Alice Morrison is gearing up for a one-of-a-kind adventure, set to make history as the first person to traverse Saudi Arabia on foot from the far north to the far south in an ambitious five-month journey that kicks off on January 1, 2025. Covering an impressive 2,500 kilometers and involving local guides and camels, Morrison will navigate the Kingdom’s vast deserts, lush oases, and towering mountains. Her journey is anchored by three key objectives: to discover new landmarks and delve into the depths of history, to highlight the vital role of Saudi women in society, and to showcase the beauty of the natural landscape and the Kingdom’s efforts to conserve nature.

• Syria’s top diplomat to visit Saudi Arabia for first foreign trip

  The announcement came as a string of Arab delegations have made their way to Damascus in recent days to meet with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, as he looks to shore up support in the region and normalise relations that collapsed in the wake of former president Bashar al-Assad’s crackdown on the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011. On Monday, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah al-Yahya was in the Syrian capital, following visits last week by Qatari, Bahraini, and Jordanian officials. The new Syrian leadership is, in particular, seeking investment from the oil-rich Gulf countries to help rebuild a battered economy and infrastructure after 13 years of war.

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