Arab News, Thursday, Jan 14, 2021 | Jamadi Al Thani 1, 1442
Saudi transport minister approved 100% Saudization of ride-hailing apps
Saudi Arabia: Saleh Al-Jasser, Saudi Minister of Transport and
Chairman of the Public Transport Authority (PTA), approved 100% localization of
the ride-hailing activity, limiting work to nationals with respect to public and
private vehicles or through facilities, according to state-run SPA.
The percentage of non-Saudis working in this field fell to 4 percent only of
total workforce, the minister noted.
He also cited a number of initiatives that were taken to boost job opportunities
for nationals in this field, including amendments to the traffic rules to enable
the operation of private vehicles in ride-hailing activity. Moreover, an
agreement was signed with the Social Development Bank on funding the purchase of
private vehicles.
Moreover, the ministry signed an agreement with the Ministry of Human Resources
and Social Development and the Human Resources Fund to provide subsidies for
Saudis, at 40 percent of their income, or SR2,400 ($640) maximum, for those
providing rides in rush hours.