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Record Labour Market Gains
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Kingdom achieves 7% unemployment six years ahead of schedule; female workforce participation doubles to 36%
Saudi Arabia has lowered its Vision 2030 unemployment target to 5%, following a historic drop in national unemployment to 7%—a milestone reached by the end of 2024, six years earlier than planned. The move underscores the Kingdom’s rapid socio-economic transformation and commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive job market, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
National unemployment falls to record lows, women’s participation doubles
Backed by data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and endorsed by the IMF’s 2025 report, the updated target reflects a shift from simply creating jobs to fostering high-quality employment opportunities.
By the first quarter of 2025, total unemployment, including expatriates, fell to an all-time low of 2.8%. Women’s participation in the workforce has surged to 36.3%, up from under 20% in 2018, driven by structural reforms, better childcare access, flexible work options, and expanded opportunities in both public and private sectors
Among core working-age Saudis (25–54), employment rose to 65.9%, with unemployment at just 5.4%. Youth unemployment has halved in four years, with young Saudi women seeing participation grow to 18.4% and employment-to-population ratios rise to 14.6%.
The private sector continues to be a driving force, with Saudi employment up 12% in 2024, particularly in high-skill sectors such as technology, finance, and healthcare. Average wages are also rising, reflecting stronger demand for skilled talent.
Policy reforms credited with this success include updated labour laws promoting fair hiring, large-scale investment in AI and technical education, expanded skills training in partnership with the private sector, and support for gig economy roles through freelance licensing.
By realigning its target to 5%, Saudi Arabia signals confidence in its economic trajectory and workforce readiness. Vision 2030 is moving from aspiration to implementation—future-proofing jobs, boosting private sector growth, and ensuring long-term competitiveness in the global market.
