Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, projects the issuance of more than 59000 seasonal visas across various professions in 2024. Addressing businessmen at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce headquarters, he emphasized the significance of leveraging Saudi talent for seasonal employment, thereby nurturing the capabilities and skills of the Saudi youth.
Seasonal visas play a crucial role in facilitating the operations of companies, particularly during peak seasons such as Hajj and Umrah. Al-Rajhi stressed the importance of ensuring visa holders are restricted to the designated scope of work and are not permitted to undertake Hajj pilgrimage during their employment tenure.
In a bid to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities, Al-Rajhi announced the formation of a collaborative working team comprising his ministry and the Makkah Chamber. This team will focus on issues pertinent to the Hajj and Umrah seasons and present actionable recommendations.
During discussions with businessmen, Al-Rajhi highlighted the remarkable increase in Saudi participation in the private sector, with numbers rising from 1.7 million to 2.3 million. Notably, women's participation surged from 17 percent to 35.3 percent, surpassing the Vision 2030 target of 30 percent. This underscores the effectiveness of Saudi women in the labor market, with the private sector playing a pivotal role in fostering development and supporting the national labor market strategy.
Eng. Mustafa Rajab, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Makkah Chamber, commended the chamber's efforts in promoting economic growth and societal welfare. Reflecting on the chamber's achievements, he emphasized their alignment with Vision 2030 objectives. The concept of Manafea, bringing together various chambers of commerce, underscores the commitment to serving as a hub for Muslim trade, leveraging the proximity to the Grand Mosque and the significance of Makkah as the qibla of Muslims.
Rajab also highlighted the realization of the Makkah Halal Forum, a testament to the chamber's commitment to advancing economic initiatives. Held earlier in the year, the forum showcased the chamber's dedication to fostering economic growth and collaboration within the region.
