المملكة: With updates: the launch of the second edition of the guide to localization of operation and maintenance contracts

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has made several updates to the guide for localization of operation and maintenance contracts in public entities, and launched the second version of the guide including those updates.
The guide applies to all service contracts with ongoing implementation by public entities, whether the labor requirements are specified in the contract, or the contract is based on the provision of services or performance.
Requirements were added to the unified contract forms for the government competition system in each of the operation and maintenance contracts, city cleaning contracts, road operation and maintenance contracts, subsistence contracts, and information technology operation and maintenance contracts.

Target percentages for Emiratisation in senior management

The second edition of the guide contained a number of updates, the most notable of which was increasing the target percentages for Saudization at the senior management level from 50% to 100%, and at the engineering and specialized levels from 30% to 40%.
And at the supervisory level to 100%, the guide explained the possibility of excluding the localization of the senior management level in cases where the public entity deems it difficult to localize it, provided that written approval is obtained from the head of the entity, with the need to ensure that this exception does not conflict with any other regulations or directives issued in the country. This matter.

The selection of suitable opportunities for localization, and specifying them in the competition table, must be at a rate of 30% of the total jobs at the technical, operational and craft levels for the categories (electrical, mechanical, equipment, civil).
The target percentages for Saudization represent the minimum, and if there are Saudization decisions issued by the Ministry for certain professions with different Saudization rates, the higher percentage is calculated.

Harmonizing the names of professions with the Saudi classification

The second version of the guide also included ensuring that the names of professions are aligned with the unified Saudi classification of professions, and identifying cases that violate the requirements of nationalization.
In the second edition of the guide, the Ministry updated the performance measurement requirements to determine the criteria for the success and sustainability of Emiratisation, which enables public entities to achieve excellence in the process of supervising the Emiratisation of the contract workforce, according to 3 levels for measuring and monitoring performance.
The first level is the level of the public entity, and it must be responsible for developing a plan to localize the functions of operation and maintenance contracts, and following up on its implementation by identifying one or more localization officials to follow up on implementation at the level of contract departments or geographical regions.
With setting a strategy and targets for Emiratisation in current and future contracts, and cooperating with the Spending Efficiency and Government Projects Authority in implementing Emiratisation requirements and providing it with the necessary data by registering on the asset and facilities management platform and updating it periodically.
Reviewing the endorsements entered through the government endorsements portal, and ensuring their conformity with the contract functions.
In addition to supporting contractors in completing the necessary requirements and documents to support the Emiratisation process, supervising the implementation of Emiratisation requirements with the contractor and ensuring that employees are enabled to work.
In addition to supporting the nationalization process and attracting the best qualified talent, with the importance of verifying the availability of elements of the unified work environment regulation guide for private sector establishments, and activating the training and development program for Saudis in contracts.
Enabling the Ministry’s observers to carry out oversight tours on contract sites, and to participate in workshops and periodic events to localize operation and maintenance.

Ministry level

The second level is the ministry level, as government endorsements for issuing visas for workers in operation and maintenance contracts in public entities are subject to the Emiratisation rates listed in the guide.
Visas are issued to contractors accordingly, while the percentage of Saudization in these contracts is constantly monitored. If the number of required endorsements is more than the required number, the Ministry takes the necessary legal measures.
The Ministry also conducts oversight tours to verify compliance with the requirements of the guide for localization of operation and maintenance contracts in public entities.

Level of the Spending Efficiency Authority

The third level is the level of the Spending Efficiency and Government Projects Authority, as the Authority supports public agencies to achieve the goals of localization of operation and maintenance by developing policies and procedures that support localization in coordination with the relevant authorities.
And managing the implementation of initiatives related to Cabinet Resolution No. 337 dated 01/25/1439 AH, with the Steering Committee for the localization of operation and maintenance contracts in public entities.
And periodic follow-up with the authorities on the progress of performance and raising the results of Emiratization with periodic reports issued by public authorities.
Through this guide, the Ministry seeks to unify the mechanisms for implementing localization requirements in operation and maintenance contracts in public entities, as this has an impact on raising the efficiency of these contracts and sustaining their localization.