Unemployment Rate among Saudis Decreased to 11.3%

Estimates of the labor force survey conducted by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) for the second quarter of 2021, revealed the continued recovery of the economy and the improvement of the labor market, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reversely affected, like other countries of the world, by the fallouts and impact of the Coronavirus’ pandemic.

The results showed that the unemployment rate of the total Saudi and non-Saudi population (15 years and over) dropped to 6.6% during the second quarter of 2021, compared to 9.0% during the second quarter of 2020.

A decrease in the unemployment rate for all Saudis (males and females aged 15 and above) for the second quarter of 2021; was at 11.3%, compared to 11.7%, in the previous quarter.

In the same context, the results of the survey showed a decrease in the unemployment rate for Saudi males (15 years and above) for the second quarter of 2021; as it stood at, 6.1% compared to 7.2%, in the previous quarter, while the unemployment rate for Saudi females (15 years and above) for the second quarter of 2021 stood at 22.3%.

Workforce participation rate for the total population (Saudis and non-Saudis 15 years and above) for the second quarter of 2021; stood at 60.8%, compared to 61.1% in the first quarter of the same year.

Participation rate for the total male population (15 years and above) reached 79.2%, and the participation rate for total Saudis (males and females 15 years and above) for the 2nd quarter of 2021; reached 49.4% according to the labor force survey estimates.

On the other hand, the increase in the labor force participation rate for Saudi females (15 years and above) for the second quarter of 2021; as it reached 32.4% compared to (32.3%) in the previous quarter, while the labor force participation rate for Saudi males (15 years and above) decreased for the second quarter of 2021; as slipped to 65.7% compared to 66.2%, in the previous quarter.

GASTAT clarified that it relies in its results on two sources of data: The first source is through the implementation of a household survey it conduct, that falls under the classification of social statistics, in which information is collected through a resembling sample of the population of the various administrative regions, in the Kingdom.

From families, in particular, and completing them with an electronic form containing a number of questions, through which estimates and indicators related to the labor force of the working-age population (15 years and above) settled in the Kingdom, are provided.

In addition to and an estimate of the economically active and inactive population (inside and outside the labor force), as well as calculating the most important labor market indicators such as unemployment rates, labor force participation rates, employment rates, and others indicators and factors.

As for the second source of data, they are taken form the registered and updated information of government agencies related to the labor market, and resulting from the official electronic registration and documentation processes followed in these agencies.

The General Organization for Social Insurance, and the National Information Center provide GASTAT with the data, on a regular basis through electronic linking, describing these bodies as a main source of data for workers in the government sector and the private sector, as well.