Unemployment in Saudi Arabia: Examining Policies Effectiveness and Reliance on Expatriates Impacts

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the issues of high unemployment rates among Saudi nationals as well as the usefulness of policies and initiatives put in place to address the problem. The research focuses on the consequences of relying on expatriates, such as the failure of the Saudization and Nitaqat initiatives. The literature review identifies mismatches between the educational system and the labour market as a cause for the private sector's preference for expatriates. According to the research's findings, a completely nationalised labour market with improved education might contribute to addressing Saudi Arabia's unemployment dilemma. This paper offers policy proposals to overcome Saudi Arabia's significant unemployment problem and contributes to the current literature on the subject. The research also analyses knowledge gaps and suggests areas of study for future research.