From Arab News: Lack of skilled Saudis takes the shine off gold trade

Saudization in gold and jewelry shops reached 100 percent in 2003 following a royal decision issued by the then Interior Minister Prince Naif. The Nitaqat system recently issued by the Ministry of Labor defined a Saudization rate of 70 percent in the gold sector. The decision led to misunderstandings, with many businessmen thinking they could decrease Saudization with 30 percent in their gold shops. However, traders confirmed to Arab News that the Saudization rate in companies and factories is 70 percent, but gold shops have to remain fully Saudized.

Back in 2003, many traders complained about the decision, saying it was difficult to find qualified Saudis to handle precious metals and stones. To solve the problem, Saudi traders and businessmen decided to open an institute to train youth in all skilled jobs related to the manufacture and sale of gold and jewelry.

However, despite the continuous training courses held to boost skills of Saudi salesmen, traders still have no trust in them.

For more, please see this: http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article568492.ece