Latest news with #wagesubsidy
Arab News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia increases wage support to 50% for tourism sector jobs
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has raised wage subsidies for local workers in the tourism sector from 30 percent to 50 percent, in a strategic push to expand employment opportunities for Saudi nationals and reduce reliance on foreign labor. The initiative, part of the Employment Support Program by the Human Resources Development Fund, was unveiled by the Ministry of Tourism in coordination with other government agencies. It extends financial support to 43 tourism-related professions and is designed to enhance the appeal and sustainability of careers in the sector. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the program aligns with the Ahlaha initiative — the ministry's national workforce empowerment plan — which seeks to train and integrate Saudi citizens into the tourism industry. The updated wage support is expected to encourage more private sector involvement in national workforce development and marks a significant step toward achieving the goals outlined in the Kingdom's National Tourism Strategy, which aims to create 1.6 million jobs by 2030 as part of the broader Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda. 'The step aims to raise the percentage of national employment in the tourism sector, while ensuring job sustainability and stability for Saudi workers,' the SPA report stated. The decision underscores ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Tourism and its partners to empower Saudi men and women in tourism-related roles and increase Saudization rates across the industry. Latest figures from the General Authority for Statistics show that by the fourth quarter of 2024, employment in the tourism sector grew by 4 percent year on year. Saudi nationals comprised 25 percent of the workforce — or 242,073 employees — while expatriates accounted for 75 percent, totaling 724,458 workers. The Riyadh and Makkah regions led the sector in employment numbers. In a related move, authorities announced in April that 41 key tourism roles, including hotel managers, travel agency directors, and tour guides, will be exclusively reserved for Saudi nationals starting April 2026. The decision is part of continued efforts to localize critical job functions and strengthen the domestic workforce.
RNZ News
19-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Covid-19 wage subsidy fraud: Man created 'complex web of fake companies and forged documents'
Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi A man who tried to fraudulently claim millions of dollars through Covid-19 wage subsidy schemes has been found guilty at the Auckland District Court. Hun Min Im faced 91 charges related to his attempts to claim $1.88 million from the Covid-19 wage subsidy scheme (WSS), the Small Business Cashflow Scheme, Covid-19 Support Payments and Resurgence Support Payments. In total, Im attempted to claim $2.3 million and received almost $624,000. He was found guilty of 18 charges of obtaining by deception and 16 charges of using a forged document while Im pleaded guilty to 54 charges of dishonestly using a document. Three obtaining by deception charges were still yet to be determined. Serious Fraud Office director Karen Chang said Im's offending was deliberate and wide-reaching. "He created a complex web of fake companies and forged documents which our expert teams spent many hours piecing together. He stole the personal information of his tenants and applicants who responded to fake job ads he placed online, to use as shareholders, directors and employees in his companies. "Mr Im took advantage of public money that was intended to support people and businesses during a time of significant stress and uncertainty. Any money he received was used to fund his personal lifestyle, including an apartment and luxury vehicle," she said. Im submitted 42 WSS applications on behalf of eight companies and four sole traders, none of which were trading in New Zealand or had any staff. He forged signatures and used forged documents when incorporating companies, filed GST returns to claim refunds his companies were not entitled to. Im also sought a further $172,800 in Covid-19 subsidies from Inland Revenue that he was not entitled to. The Serious Fraud Office was alerted to this case by the Ministry of Social Development after its own initial investigations, Chang said. "We want to recognise the cooperation and support provided by Inland Revenue, Police and the Companies Office to our investigation." "This includes the Police Asset Recovery Unit, which restrained a property and vehicle following a referral from the SFO. The investigation was a great example of agencies working together to investigate abuse of public funds."
