Nearly 100 companies turned up on Thursday in search of Indian workers at a second job fair organized by the country’s consulate in Jeddah. The fair was held the spacious, air-conditioned auditorium of the International Indian School (IISJ) in Rehab district.
Between 1,700 and 2,000 Indian workers registered their names at the fair in their bid to find new employers taking advantage of the amnesty period that is set to expire on July 3, said Consul Labor Prabhat K. Jain.
“Today’s fair was very successful as it was well-represented by several sectors of the Saudi employment market. Indian community leaders and many volunteers have come forward to extend the best possible services for the jobseekers and the employers as well,” he said.
M.K. Ghildiyal, Consul Commercial, said almost all participating companies are satisfied with the Indian workers and they wanted another fair to hire more workers.
“We will hold a third fair if there is an extension of the grace period,” he said.
Speaking to Saudi Gazette, the officials said there are still ample opportunities and high demand for Indian workforce in the Saudi market.
Jain said all participants, including jobseekers, employers, community members and the consulate officials have commended the spacious facility at the IISJ and the smooth procedures. “In line with the directives of Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, five buses were plying between the consulate premises and the IISJ to transport workers who reached the consulate in search of jobs. “The Indian Pilgrims’ Welfare Association distributed free meals for all those who took part in the fair,” Jain said.
According to Jain, the fair was well attended by employers representing all major sectors, including hospitality, service, healthcare and contracting. “This time, there was also an obvious presence of private and international school authorities seeking teachers,” he added.
Ghildiyal said most employers were looking for Indian blue-collar workers, such as welders, technicians and foremen.
“Almost all companies that took part in the first job fair held on the consulate’s premises on June 20 were present at this fair,” he added.
Most companies are seeking both skilled and unskilled workers, with high demand for those with experience in the construction industry. Masons, plumbers, carpenters, steel erectors and fixers, painters, electricians, welders, AC technicians and laborers were in demand. Among the skilled categories, different cadres of engineers are in demand.
More than 50 green category Saudi companies participated in last week’s fair, which attracted around 3,000 Indian nationals.
Encouraged by this response, the consulate shifted the venue of the second fair to the IISJ, which could accommodate under one roof more companies and a large number of job aspirants.
The companies have projected a requirement for over 4,000 workers, ranging from executive positions to positions laborers, drivers and technicians.
Details of jobs on offer are also available on the Indian Consulate’s website www.cgijeddah.com under the title “Job Fair”. More companies desirous of availing this opportunity are requested to contact Ghildiyal at commercial@cgijeddah.com.
Meanwhile, the consulate said in a press statement that those who received tokens for fingerprinting at the Deportation Center (Tarheel) on June 25 but could no do so due to time constraints could go directly to the Tarheel for fingerprinting on July 2. They are not required to take fresh tokens from the consulate.