New Labor Minister Mufrej Al-Haqabani.

The newly appointed Labor Minister Mufrej Al-Haqabani, who replaces Adel Fakeih, has emphasized that he would work for resolving the unemployment problem among the Saudis by adopting new strategies.

“We have a lot of development plans and programs, which will be implemented with the support of other staff members. We’ll work with the spirit of one team and I will be a team member,” he said.

He thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for appointing him as labor minister.

“I consider this appointment as a medal that would encourage me to extend greater efforts in the service of the nation.”

Al-Haqabani, who holds a master’s and doctoral degrees in economics from the University of Colorado, was the deputy labor minister. He has previously worked as undersecretary at the Planning Ministry, economic professor at King Fahd Security Academy in Riyadh, deputy governor of Jazan and secretary-general of the National Committee for Combating Drugs.

He commended Fakeih’s efforts to strengthen the ministry and realize its objectives.

Saudi bloggers have welcomed Al-Haqabani’s appointment and expressed hope that he would exert more efforts to settle labor disputes and end the dominance of expatriate workers in the private sector.

“We look forward to quick and decisive decisions to reorganize the labor market and fight illegal tasattur (cover-up) businesses,” said another blogger who is a government employee.

Abu Abdullah stressed the need to reduce the number of expatriate workers in the Kingdom as “they compete with Saudis” denying them the chance to get employed. “We also want the ministry to ensure job security for Saudis in the private sector.”

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