Experts will be tasked with addressing overseas recruitment challenges and revising policies and processes to meet the needs of the national economy, while at the same time limit the impact of overseas recruitment on the localisation of jobs, Al Watan newspaper said.

The Saudi Human Resources ministry is working on classification and restructuring of professions, among other policies, to be in a better position to enforce recruitment violations and better protect workers against fraudulent recruiting schemes.

Saudi Arabia is ranked fourth in the world in terms of overseas recruitment, after the United States, Russia, and Germany.

1,000 recruitment offices

Ahmed Al Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, told entrepreneurs from Hail Chamber of Commerce and Industry the Kingdom has 1,000 recruitment offices, in addition to 35 recruitment companies.

Al Rajhi reiterated the commitment of the government to provide help to small businesses in the kingdom, along with a framework to assist with the push for Saudisation.

He said: “It will enable young Saudis to launch start-up projects, open small businesses, boost economic growth and accelerate business expansion plans, which will have a positive impact on national development.”

Al Rajhi revealed that extensive research had been carried out to establish the requirements of small businesses for migrant workers, so that the new visa service meets their needs.

He added: “This will help to maintain the stability and continuity of the business during its early days.”

The ministry has also launched a visa service for established businesses which are in the process of expanding.

Recruitment sector statistics according to the 2019 Recruitment Forum and Exhibition

1) Saudi Arabia is fourth in the world in terms of recruitment, after the United States, Russia, and Germany.

2) One million domestic workers.

3) 86% of Saudi households have a private driver or chauffeur.

4) 68% of Saudi households have a domestic worker. An increase in visas for domestic workers by 14% during 2017.

5) 14.1 million visas for domestic workers in 2017.

6) More than 26 billion annual labour expenditures.

7) More than 7 million expatriates work in the private sector.