The following information was provided by the First Secretary of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, in Ottawa, in correspondence sent to the Research Directorate:

The application of the Saudization policy started since the issue of the labour and workers' system that included a number of provisions guaranteeing the Saudi citizens' right to work. One of the most important resolutions issued in this regard with a view to facilitate the hiring of Saudis in private sector companies, is the Council of Ministers' resolution stipulating that all private sector companies, that employ at least twenty workers, have to increase their staff from the national workforce by at least 30% of their total manpower annually.

Also, the following positions were identified to be solely filled by Saudi nationals:

Hiring units, hiring officers, receptionists, follow-up officers, treasurers, managers, training managers, public relations positions, security guards, clerical positions, administrative assistants, central staff, stockroom clerks, debt collectors, customer accounts clerks, cashiers, mail distribution clerks, information registry clerks, librarians, book sellers, ticket sellers, car dealership representatives, housing supervisors, correspondents, tourist guides (29 Apr. 2003).

This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Saudi Arabia. 29 April 2003. Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Ottawa. Correspondence sent by the First Secretary.