Nitaqaat program - How expatriates in KSA are affected by Nitaqaat program

How expatriates working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are affected by Nitaqaat program and what is Nitaqaat?

Saudi Arabia is facing a growing rate of unemployment due to availability of qualified unemployed male and female aspirants. Nitaqaat is a program undertaken by the Saudi Government to provide jobs to local population (Saudis), it is nothing but a Saudization program introduced by the Ministry of Labor.  Private companies working in Saudi Arabia are categorized into Green, Yellow and Red.   The program works on rewards and punishment basis the Companies falling under Green categories are given certain privileges, while those coming under red are denied and strict penal actions are imposed on Red category companies. Companies having 10 employees need to have minimum level of Saudization based on the different criteria.  Recently the Saudi Government announced to weed-out illegal expatriates from the kingdom and allowed a grace period till 3^rd July, 2013 after which serious action will be taken against those over-staying, working, sponsoring and harbouring illegal workers.

Expatriates working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can check the Nitaqaat status of their Companies by visiting the following link…………. 

Check the Nitaqaat status of your Company

Tags – Nitaqaat, How to check the Nitaqaat status, Saudi Arabia Nitaqaat, Nitaqaat status, Green Yellow and Red.   What is the last date of grace period for illegal expatriates in Saudi Arabia. 

Nitaqaat in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is an oil rich country.  Since the discovery of oil the country has been relying on the expatriate manpower.  The current situation is different from the earlier days.  Nowadays there are many Saudis who are jobless and the Governmental endeavor is to find job opportunities to the eligible Saudis.  One of the main goals of the government is to remove almost all the illegal expatriates who are in the kingdom.  Once this group is removed, then there will be some opportunities created either for the legal expatriates or the local Saudis.  The crime rate also will reduce.  Most of the illegal expatriates have already left the kingdom.  The other objective is to provide doles to the unemployed Saudis. Apart from this the Nitaqaat program is being implemented in various companies so that the Saudis get opportunities in the private sector.  The private sector was asked to follow to 5 day a week schedule and some have willingly agreed to follow the system. Saudi Arabia is one of the largest deserts in the world.  Its major revenue is from the oil resources.  The Kingdom is doing its best to diversify its income.  Many students are studying in foreign countries and when they finish their education they will come back to country.  The country should be in a position to provide them with the employment or should be in a position to give them the alternatives.  Nitaqaat program is hailed as an very good program that may help in the massive Saudization drive.