In this March 21, 2009 file photo, Saudis look at jewelry at a gold fair in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Abha Chamber of Commerce and Industry says in a recent report that unemployment in Asir is a result of many young Saudi qualified men and women refusing to accept work in the private sector as the jobs do not fulfill their aspirations.

The graduates who are qualified for the labor market are looking for opportunities which are commensurate with their qualifications and will bring in a good income.

The Central Department for Statistics and Information said in its report that the unemployment rate in Saudi Arabia reached 11.7 percent at the end of 2013. This figure confirms the role of the Ministry of Labor in conducting periodical surveys for the labor market through various independent establishments.

The figures should be taken seriously and a review made of the restrictions imposed on the private sector. Visas should be issued for those in need of expatriate labor.

Statistics issued by the chamber also show that Saudi youth prefer the more secure government jobs which should be followed up.

The report confirmed the importance of conducting studies and research for the project of nationalizing jobs and taking the general state of refusal into consideration.

The chamber said that during 2013 and 2014 it offered 7,996 jobs through two job fairs, but only received 2,359 applications: 2,272 of them were directed to the labor market and training was offered to 169 people with salaries ranging between SR 3,500 to SR 7,000.

The statistics confirm Saudi youth’s reluctance to work in the private sector and that government employment still tops the list of most favored jobs.

The chamber said that available jobs have been offered through employment programs, and special activities according cooperation strategies with the private sector to employ young people who have a high school certificate, diploma or university degree. The jobs offered included teaching posts, lab reporters, librarian and school representative. In the corporate sector jobs included spare parts salesman, coordinator, assistant warehouse coordinator, driver, security guard, salesman, cashier, camera watchman, customer service, marketing officer, marketing supervisor, mediator, assistant treasurer, car delivery employee, purchases’ employee, maintenance receptionist, and production supervisor.

The employment center in the chamber offers all kinds of jobs for people with scientific qualifications, because it believes that each job vacancy deserves to be advertised. The freedom of choice is left to job seekers according to their qualifications and experience.

The Abha chamber provides the largest number of jobs to serve job seekers and private sector establishments by opening communication channels with job seekers. It has a training center that offers training courses to support young people who are looking for employment. The center receives applications from companies to hold training workshops for older people as well.

The chamber urged young people to benefit from job vacancies in the private sector, which provides a good working environment that develops abilities and equips them with the experience that reflects positively on their future, whether through promotions, training or financial benefits.

Saudi youth have proved their success and competency in many fields, and benefited from training and employment through communication.

 
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