Hafiz Program for Job Seekers

Hafiz Program (Hafiz Taqat) for Job Seekers in Saudi Arabia

The Hafiz Program, or “Hafiz Taqat” as it is formally known in Saudi Arabia, is an essential governmental initiative aimed at aiding unemployed Saudi citizens, especially the youth, by providing them with financial support while helping them secure employment. This program plays a pivotal role in empowering the labor market, reducing unemployment rates, and fostering economic growth in the Kingdom. The Saudi government’s commitment to tackling unemployment and enhancing the employability of its citizens is reflected in the creation of Hafiz, a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Background and Objectives of the Hafiz Program

The Hafiz Program was launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) in Saudi Arabia as part of the government’s broader efforts to address the challenges of unemployment. The program is designed to assist qualified Saudi job seekers by offering financial aid and career support services while they actively search for employment. The main objectives of Hafiz are:

1. Financial Assistance for Job Seekers: To provide temporary financial aid to unemployed citizens while they seek job opportunities.
2. Promoting National Employment: To encourage the employment of Saudi nationals, reducing reliance on foreign labor, and aligning with the Vision 2030 goals of diversifying the economy.
3. Enhancing Skills and Employability: By offering support in the form of training and career counseling, the program aims to enhance the skills of job seekers and help them navigate the labor market more effectively.
4. Reducing Unemployment Rates: The initiative aims to reduce the national unemployment rate by offering sustainable solutions and a smoother transition into the workforce.

Structure of the Hafiz Program

The Hafiz Program is divided into several components, each targeting specific groups of individuals based on their qualifications, skills, and employment history.

1. Hafiz for Unemployed Citizens (Hafiz Al-Angaz): This is the primary phase of the program designed for job seekers who have not yet secured employment. Under this phase, job seekers receive financial aid and are required to attend job training sessions or participate in employment services to improve their chances of securing a position.

2. Hafiz for Those in the Labor Market (Hafiz Al-Amal): This component is tailored to individuals who are actively engaged in looking for work. It offers incentives, such as access to career counseling, job fairs, and the Saudi job platform (Taqat), where job seekers can connect with potential employers.

3. Hafiz for Freelancers (Hafiz Al-Mustaqil): For Saudi nationals who choose freelance work or entrepreneurship as their preferred career path, this program offers support and resources to help them build sustainable freelance careers.

Benefits and Financial Support Under the Hafiz Program

The Hafiz Program offers numerous benefits, with financial assistance being the primary attraction for many citizens. Job seekers who are eligible for the program can receive a monthly allowance to assist with their living expenses while they search for employment.

The amount of financial assistance varies depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the length of unemployment. Typically, financial aid is provided for up to 12 months, although this can be extended in certain cases depending on the applicant’s commitment to the program and progress in securing a job.

Other benefits of the program include:

• Training and Development: Participants are encouraged to attend training courses that help them enhance their skills, making them more competitive in the job market. These courses cover various sectors, including technology, healthcare, business, and other industries in demand.
• Access to Job Listings: Hafiz job seekers can access an extensive database of job vacancies via the Taqat portal, where employers in Saudi Arabia post available positions for qualified candidates. This platform is an essential tool for job seekers in finding relevant job opportunities.
• Career Counseling and Workshops: The program offers job seekers personalized guidance and workshops aimed at improving their job application skills, including resume building, interview preparation, and personal branding.
• Opportunities for National Employment: Hafiz aligns with the broader goal of the Saudi government to increase the proportion of Saudi nationals in the workforce. It ensures that citizens are better prepared for private and public sector jobs.

Eligibility Criteria for Hafiz

The Hafiz Program is open to Saudi nationals who meet specific eligibility criteria. To apply for the program, applicants must:

1. Be a Saudi Citizen: The program is available exclusively to Saudi citizens who meet the age and residency requirements.
2. Be Unemployed: Applicants must be actively seeking work and have no stable source of income. Those who are employed part-time or in freelance work are not eligible for the program unless they meet other specific criteria.
3. Age Requirements: The program primarily targets young Saudi citizens between the ages of 20 and 40 years, although there may be exceptions based on individual cases.
4. Registration with the Taqat Platform: Job seekers must be registered with the Taqat job portal, which serves as the main platform for accessing the services and opportunities provided by Hafiz.
5. Commitment to Participation: Applicants are expected to actively search for work and attend career development activities, such as workshops or training programs.
6. Social Security Contributions: In certain cases, applicants must not have received financial assistance from other government programs, such as social security payments, to qualify for Hafiz.

Application Process

Applying for the Hafiz Program is a straightforward process, thanks to the digital platforms made available by the Saudi government. Interested individuals must:

1. Register on the Taqat Platform: The first step is to create an account on the Taqat portal (www.taqat.sa). This is the central hub for the Hafiz Program and where job seekers can manage their applications.
2. Submit Required Documents: Applicants need to provide necessary documentation, including proof of unemployment status, national ID, and any educational or professional credentials.
3. Wait for Approval: Once the application is submitted, it is reviewed by the relevant authorities. If the applicant meets all eligibility requirements, they will be notified about their approval.
4. Participate in Required Activities: Accepted participants must engage in career development activities and attend training sessions to enhance their employability.
5. Receive Financial Aid: Once enrolled, financial aid is deposited directly into the participant’s bank account on a monthly basis, depending on their eligibility.

Impact of the Hafiz Program on the Saudi Job Market

The Hafiz Program has had a significant impact on the labor market in Saudi Arabia, particularly for young people entering the workforce. By providing financial support and skill development, it helps bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that Saudi nationals are more competitive in the global job market.

One of the most notable outcomes of the Hafiz program has been the increase in the number of Saudi nationals joining the private sector. The government’s active role in encouraging and supporting job seekers through Hafiz has helped mitigate the reliance on foreign workers in key sectors. As the economy continues to diversify and expand in line with Vision 2030, the Hafiz program is expected to play a crucial role in achieving national employment targets.

Furthermore, the program serves as a safety net for many citizens who would otherwise struggle to secure work during challenging economic times, such as in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic or other economic shifts.

Future Prospects and Development of the Hafiz Program

As part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the Hafiz Program is expected to evolve in the coming years to accommodate new trends in the labor market, particularly with the rise of remote work and the gig economy. The program will likely expand its support for entrepreneurs and freelancers, providing them with the tools and resources needed to succeed in these growing sectors.

Additionally, the Saudi government is continually enhancing the Taqat platform, integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning to match job seekers with appropriate job opportunities more efficiently. Future developments may also include partnerships with private sector companies to offer internship programs or on-the-job training opportunities for Hafiz participants.

Conclusion

The Hafiz Program, through its comprehensive support system, has proven to be an essential initiative for addressing unemployment in Saudi Arabia, particularly among the youth. By offering financial aid, skill development, and career counseling, Hafiz helps empower job seekers to re-enter the labor market with enhanced capabilities, ensuring a brighter future for the Kingdom’s workforce. As Saudi Arabia moves forward with its Vision 2030