The corporate sector in the Middle East is fast evolving, resulting in many new vacant positions. Many recruiters are finding it difficult to source the right candidates with the required skill set.

Certain industries like Technology, Healthcare, Engineering, and FinTech need skilled professionals to deliver high-quality services. Individuals need to be trained on certain tools or software for these roles. IT, Tech support, SAP, and full-stack development are some roles that need longer training hours.

With the recent developments in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning, there have been a lot of certification courses launched by the national governments and private universities. Although citizens are now getting the required education through these programs, the scope for outsourcing is rapidly increasing to fill the positions quickly and efficiently.

Even the healthcare sector in Saudi and UAE uses several technically advanced machinery to ensure a higher quality of service and efficiency. Especially in radiology, EHR and telemedicine, the usage of AI or tech is extremely helpful in understanding patient history while protecting privacy.

Most candidates find it challenging to explore career prospects in these fast-paced industries due to the eligibility criteria set by the recruiters. Specifically in the Middle East, businesses from these domains require an advanced skill set which is not easily available through the local talent pool.

WHAT IS CAUSING TALENT SHORTAGE IN THE MIDDLE EAST?
Here are a few possible reasons why the Middle East is experiencing talent scarcity

1. SKILL GAP
   Jobs in corporate profiles need specific skill sets. Since these fields have evolved recently, the majority of the population requires training before being employable. Many industries that did not exist earlier are now a major part of the Middle East ecosystem.
2. UNTAPPED FEMALE POTENTIAL
   Although many firms in the Middle East support women’s empowerment, there is still a lot of untapped female potential.
3. GEOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS
   The work location preference also plays a significant role in the selection of an opportunity. Most people migrate to tier 1 and tier 2 cities or developed countries for better opportunities. This may lead to talent scarcity for the firms set up in a not-so-favoured location.
4. PREFERENCE FOR TRAINED/ EXPERIENCED CANDIDATES
   Training the candidates on the desired skills is a time-consuming activity. Considering the quick expansion of certain industries and their need to fill the positions at the earliest, most recruiters prefer trained or experienced candidates.

THE MOST EFFECTIVE RESOLUTIONS TO THESE CHALLENGES

1. GLOBAL TALENT SOURCING
   Sourcing talent from different parts of the world can close the talent gap. In the Middle East, nations like Saudi, UAE and KSA are now actively sourcing profiles from across the world. This can help find skilled professionals with relevant experience quickly and efficiently.
2. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
   Many Middle Eastern countries are now commencing their own training and development programs for their citizens. The GCC nations have announced ‘nationalisation’ policies to create successful employment opportunities for their citizens.
3. DIVERSIFIED WORK CULTURE
   Earlier, a lot of female potential was left untapped. Women empowerment programs like Wusool are enabling more women to join the workforce. Hiring women in blue-collar roles like drivers can further close the talent gap.
4. ENTREPRENEURSHIP
   By encouraging bright minds to set up new businesses, a country can create various new employment opportunities for its citizens. Supporting businesses from all sectors can open varied opportunities for its citizens.

CONCLUSION

Although the Middle East has been facing manpower challenges, most countries have adopted alternative solutions to overcome this shortage.

At Innovations Group, we work towards simplifying the human resource challenges of our clients and finding them the right talent at the right time. Having served more than 200 clients, we understand the pulse of your requirements and provide you with accurate manpower solutions. Contact us to learn more about our services.