Sudanese Workforce in Saudi Arabia Tops 500,000 Amid Training Initiatives

The number of Sudanese workers in Saudi Arabia has surpassed 500,000, with many employed in sectors such as agriculture and animal husbandry, Sudan’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Welfare, Mutassim Ahmed Saleh, said.

Speaking at the sidelines of the Global Labor Market Forum, Saleh highlighted that agreements are in place to train and qualify Sudanese workers before their deployment to Saudi Arabia. The programs, implemented with Saudi trainers and expertise, aim to prepare workers for the requirements of the Saudi labor market.

“The Saudi labor market remains the largest and most important destination for Sudanese workers,” Saleh said, emphasizing ongoing collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. The cooperation focuses on equipping Sudanese personnel with administrative and technical skills needed to meet modern market demands.

The minister noted that vocational training is a key component of these agreements. Sudan has suffered significant losses in qualified personnel due to the ongoing war, coupled with damage to and closure of many specialized vocational training centers. This has made the rehabilitation and development of the sector a priority, he said. Current plans include maintenance and upgrades to existing training facilities, along with curriculum updates designed to better match vocational education with labor market requirements.

Saleh also praised the growth of the Saudi labor market between 2015 and 2025, describing it as a major transformation that created over six million new jobs. Saudi women received the largest share of these opportunities, significantly increasing their participation in the economy.

“The progress of Saudi Arabia’s labor market has become a model that many countries attending the forum aim to learn from,” Saleh said, highlighting the kingdom’s achievements in employment expansion and job creation.

Sudanese officials are working closely with their Saudi counterparts to ensure that young workers arriving in the kingdom are prepared for employment, with an emphasis on practical skills and vocational expertise. The agreements also include ongoing support to develop the labor sector in Sudan itself, aiming to provide a steady stream of qualified young men and women capable of filling positions in both domestic and international markets.

By investing in training, rehabilitation of vocational centers, and alignment of educational programs with labor market needs, Sudan aims to maintain its workforce’s competitiveness while meeting demand in Saudi Arabia and other key destinations.

Saleh’s comments underscored the importance of strategic collaboration in shaping labor markets, noting that Saudi Arabia’s experience in workforce development offers valuable lessons for Sudan and other nations seeking to enhance employment opportunities for their citizens.