البطالة في المملكة العربية السعودية : تطور معدلاتها و تباينها الجغرافي و خصائصها الديموغرافية و الاجتماعية و الاقتصادية

Abstract EN

Unemployment is a major problem that is afflicting many developing countries.

Therefore, it has received considerable attention, especially because of its economic, social and political implications.

The problem is becoming more serious and complicated in Saudi Arabia, because of its rising rates at alarming levels while the country is continuing to receive huge numbers of foreign labour.

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of unemployment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period (1999 — 2012), and to highlight the spatial variations among administrative Areas, in addition to identifying some demographic, social, and economic characteristics of the unemployed.

The study utilized the data of "Labour Force Survey" for several years, but mainly that of 2012.

It was found that employed workers represent about (94%) of the total labor force.

Saudi workers, on the other hand, comprise about (41%) of total labor force in Saudi Arabia.

Unemployment rate reaches 12% for Saudi workforce and about 7.5% for the total labor force in 2012.

Large spatial variations in Saudis' unemployment rates are noted among Administrative Areas of the Kingdom, reaching the highest rates in AL-Jouf (up to 28%), 23% in Northern Borders, and about 20% in Jizan,.

On the other hand, relatively lower rates are noticed in some areas, especially Riyadh (8%).

It is also revealed that about 72% of the unemployed Saudis are youth (20-29 years old), and 44% holding university degrees.

The data also indicated that illiterates and those with primary education made up a small proportion (5.4%).

Women with a university degree made up about 72% of unemployed women, compared with about 46% of unemployed men.

Finally, some recommendations and suggestions to reduce unemployment rates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are proposed.