Saudis			Non-Saudis			Total
	Males	Females	Total	Males	Females	Total	Males	Females	Total
2021 Q1	7.44	21.72	12.17	1.53	5.38	1.91	3.37	16.37	5.80
2021 Q2	6.39	22.67	11.80	2.23	6.67	2.68	3.58	17.50	6.26
2021 Q3	6.21	22.16	11.73	1.67	7.43	2.32	3.18	17.41	6.12
2021 Q4	5.37	22.94	11.48	2.13	9.30	2.79	3.19	19.11	6.31
2022 Q1	5.16	20.32	10.32	1.88	6.52	2.29	2.93	16.35	5.45
2022 Q2	4.92	19.47	9.96	1.51	6.38	1.92	2.58	15.91	5.06
2022 Q3	4.39	20.66	10.16	1.25	6.14	1.66	2.22	16.69	4.95
2022 Q4	4.31	15.68	8.21	1.07	6.09	1.47	2.07	13.03	4.06
2023 Q1	4.67	16.33	8.67	1.23	6.42	1.68	2.27	13.40	4.31
2023 Q2	4.63	15.89	8.45	1.08	5.51	1.44	2.15	12.93	4.08
2023 Q3	4.73	16.57	8.81	1.08	6.56	1.53	2.17	13.67	4.24
2023 Q4	4.60	13.91	7.78	0.58	4.72	0.94	1.75	11.11	3.42
2024 Q1	4.21	14.17	7.61	0.75	5.39	1.10	1.79	11.83	3.54
2024 Q2	3.99	12.84	7.09	0.84	5.03	1.14	1.74	10.75	3.32

Source: Labour Force Survey, in: Labour Market Statistics, General Authority for Statistics (GAStat)

1. Data collection methodology

LFS were first conducted in 2001 and became bi-annual after 2006. Data were collected through nationally-representative household sample surveys, which sampling was based on most recent censuses. Since 2016, Labour Force Surveys have been conducted and published on a quarterly basis,based on a household telephone survey conducted by GAStat. Employment data extracted from administrative records were also introduced as a complement to the results of Labour Force Surveys in Labour Market Statistics’ publications, starting on Q1 2017.

The present data is based on estimates drawn from the results of the quarterly Labour Force Survey.
LFS results are published as rates only. Numerical estimates are unavailable.

Population data for 2010-22 were revised and backcasted, based on 2022 population census and past years’ administrative data. 

Technical note on backcasting:
https://portal.saudicensus.sa/static-assets/media/content/20230529_Back-Casting%20Methodology.pdf?crafterSite=gastat-portal
Methodologies/En_Documents/40_Technical Note Population Back Casting.PDF

GAStat Labour Market Statistics: Labour Force Survey (household telephone survey conducted by GAStat)
Sample size: 53,360 households, from all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia.
Population covered: residents in Saudi Arabia, Saudis and non-Saudis. All household members, including domestic workers.

The survey provides estimates of the size of the total and working-age populations (aged 15 years and above), inside and outside the labour force. It highlights the characteristics of the labour force (employed and unemployed populations), and supplies the data to calculate key indicators of labour market such as the unemployment and the labour force participation rates.
Household survey questionnaire:
https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/statistical-knowledge/72.
https://www.stats.gov.sa/ar/statistical-knowledge/72

Definitions:
– Unemployed individuals:

Individuals (15 years and above) who were:
1. Without a job in the week preceding the household contact.
2. Seriously looking for work during the four weeks prior to contacting the family. This includes those who did not search for work during the four weeks prior to the survey because they were waiting to find work, or to establish their own business during the next period, providing they searched for a job before the reference period.
3. People who were able to work and ready to join whenever necessary during the week preceding the household contact or the following two weeks.

– Unemployed individuals who have been working: 

Unemployed individuals (15 years and above) who had been working, then left their jobs for any reason, and who during the time reference were: unemployed, seriously seeking a job and ready to start working.

Unemployment rate= (number of unemployed individuals ÷ total labour force) x 100

Definitions and categories used by GAStat in Labour Markets Statistics (employment; unemployment; occupation and activity sectors, etc.) are based on international standards:
For LFS methodology and definitions, see:
https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/node/9787.

2. Institution which provides data 

General Authority for Statistics (GAStat)

3. Data availability 

Since 2021, GAStat has been publishing separately the employment data taken from administrative records, and unemployment/inactivity data as well as general indicators, calculated from the results of the field interviews conducted by GAStat (Labour Force Survey). The present time-series was taken from the Labour Market Statistics- Q2, 2024 (English and Arabic versions).
https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/814
https://www.stats.gov.sa/ar/814

Date of access: 15 December 2024.

Keywords: Unemployment, Saudi Arabia, National & Foreign Labour

GLMM and GRC cannot guarantee that the link to access the source will not change; 
that the information will not be removed from the website it was obtained from;
that no geo-blockages will be imposed; or that the information will not be available for any another reason.

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