In a significant move towards digitalization and localization, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia has announced the inclusion of operation and maintenance contracts in its electronic service on the Qiwa platform. This decision aims to monitor and enforce the Saudization initiative in public organizations and create more opportunities for Saudi men and women in the labor market. Let's delve deeper into this transformative step and understand its implications.
1. The Ministry's Directive: Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, has issued a ministerial directive to approve the e-documentation of contracts for the Saudization initiative of operation and maintenance in public institutions.
2. Localization Monitoring: The electronic service on Qiwa will closely monitor the localization of operation and maintenance contracts in public organizations. Its primary objective is to ensure that establishments comply with the intended Saudization rates set under these contracts.
3. Increased Participation: By implementing this digital service, the Ministry aims to provide more opportunities for Saudi men and women to actively participate in the labor market. It aligns with the government's initiatives to empower its citizens and promote inclusive growth.
4. Broad Applicability: The decision will be enforced across all businesses engaged in contracts with government agencies and those where the government holds at least a 51% stake. Various types of contracts, such as operation, maintenance, road maintenance, city cleaning, catering, and information technology, will fall under its purview.
5. Phased Implementation: The Ministry has outlined a phased approach for the implementation of this decision. The first phase will commence on September 1, 2023, followed by the second phase on June 1, 2024, specifically targeting large establishments. The third phase, beginning on December 1, 2024, will apply to all other institutions.
6. Qiwa Platform Advantages: Qiwa serves as a pivotal entry point for the labor market in Saudi Arabia. Through its automation capabilities, it enables efficient and paperless transactions between employees, public agencies, and private businesses. It tracks the entire employee journey, from their initial employment to retirement, while also documenting the growth and expansion of establishments.
The Saudization of operation and maintenance contracts as an e-service within Qiwa demonstrates Saudi Arabia's commitment to digital transformation and localization. By monitoring and enforcing Saudization rates, the Ministry aims to create more employment opportunities for its citizens. The phased implementation will ensure a smooth transition, with large establishments leading the way. As the Qiwa platform continues to revolutionize the labor market, it streamlines processes and enhances transparency, benefiting both individuals and organizations alike.
