Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

15/04/2026

Statistical Presentation

Data description

Labor Market Statistics consist of two independent publications:
The first publication: Labor Market Statistics Publication, whose data source is the Labor Force Survey (LFS):
The Labor Market Statistics Publication is a quarterly publication that collects its data from the Labor Force Survey. It provides comprehensive data on the labor market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and contributes to building a statistical database on the labor market, which can be utilized in the preparation and planning of future social and economic development programs in the Kingdom.
This publication provides estimates of the key labor market indicators in the Kingdom through the Labor Force Survey, as follows:
•    Unemployment rate.
•    Labor force participation rate.
•    Employment-to-population ratio (15 years and above).
•    Average monthly wage).
•    Average working hours.
The second publication: Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication, whose data source is administrative records:
Administrative records data at entities concerned with the labor market (the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the General Organization for Social Insurance, and the National Information Center).
This publication provides data on employed persons in the Kingdom through administrative records, as follows:
•    Employees under the laws and regulations of Civil Service.
•    Subscribers under the laws and regulations of Social Insurance.
•    New subscribers under the laws and regulations of Social Insurance.
•    Subscribers who discontinued their participation in the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI).
•    Non-Saudi domestic workers.
Both publications provide detailed data on labor market indicators by nationality, sex, age groups, administrative regions, educational level, fields of education, economic activities, and occupations. They also support decision-makers and beneficiaries with up-to-date data on the labor market in the Kingdom.

Classifications

The following classifications are applied in the Labor Market Statistics Publication and the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication.
National Code of Countries and Nationalities (3166 ISO – codes Country):
A statistical classification based on the international standard  (ISO 3166_Country codes), which is a standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO of the UN), and this classification gives numeric and literal codes for the world’s (248) countries, based on the classification of countries. 
The classification is used in the Labor Market Statistics Publication to classify individuals into Saudis and non-Saudis.
Saudi Classification of Specializations and Educational Levels (SASCED-20):
A statistical classification based on the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED_11) and (ISCED_13) for education and training, issued by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It serves as the reference classification for organizing educational programs and qualifications according to their levels and fields of study. It comprehensively covers all educational programs, levels, and methods, spanning from early childhood education to higher education levels.
This classification is used in the Labor Market Statistics Publication and the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication to classify individuals aged 15 years and above according to their fields of education and educational levels.
Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations(ISCO_08):
It is a statistical classification based on the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-08). It provides a system for classifying and aggregating occupational information obtained through population censuses, statistical surveys, and administrative records.
This classification is used in the Labor Market Statistics Publication and the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication to classify employed persons based on their occupations.
The National Classification for Economic Activities (ISIC4):
It is a statistical classification based on the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC4).
This classification is used in the Labor Market Statistics Publication and the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication to describe establishments' productive activities. 
The classifications are available on the GASTAT website:  www.stats.gov.sa
Detailed data is collected through interviews to enable the production of outputs in accordance with all relevant classifications.

Statistical concepts and definitions

Concepts and terminology of the Labor Market Statistics Publication:
•    Dwelling: 
It is a building or part of a building originally intended for the residence of one or more households, with a separate entrance, whether it is occupied by one or more households or vacant at the time of the visit. It may include one or more establishments, and both a household and an establishment may exist in the same unit. The dwelling may consist of one or more rooms. According to the census, any place that is inhabited at the time of listing buildings and numbering real estate units is considered a dwelling, even if it was not originally built for residential purposes, such as shops, stores, and workshops.
•    Household:
An individual or a group of individuals, whether related or unrelated by kinship, who share meals and reside in the same dwelling during the survey period.
•    Head of the household:
The head of the household is the person designated by the household as its leader from among its resident members. This person is typically responsible for making decisions on household matters and must be at least 15 years old. If the household consists of children and their mother, and a relative who does not reside with them looks after their affairs, that relative is not considered the head of the household and is not registered as a member of it, as they are registered as a member of another household. In this case, the mother is considered the head of the household.
•    Work:
Work includes any activity performed by individuals to produce goods or to provide services for the market with the aim of earning a wage or profit.
•    Employees:
Individuals (15 years and above) who, during the reference period (the reference week preceding the household interview), were in contact with the household:
-    who have worked for at least one hour for a wage or profit (in cash or in kind), as regular or temporary employees, employers, self-employed, or trainees engaged in work.
-   Or have assisted for at least one hour in any commercial or agricultural activity owned by the household or one of its members or have helped a household member in their work or job.
-   Or were temporarily absent from their work during the reference period (the seven days preceding the interview) due to leave, illness, or any other reason, and will return to it.
-   Or individuals with seasonal jobs during the off-season period if they continued to perform some tasks and duties related to their jobs during that period.
The definition also includes students, job seekers, retirees, and housewives. etc., who have worked for at least one hour during the seven days preceding the household interview. It should be noted that this does not include household chores such as cooking and laundry performed by the housewife, or routine home maintenance carried out by a household member.
•    Unemployed persons:
Individuals (15 years and above) who, during the reference period,
-   were without work during the reference week preceding the household interview.
-   have actively searched for work during the four reference weeks preceding the household interview (i.e., they have taken at least one method to look for a job or to establish their own business) or will start a new job or establish their own business in the near future, provided that they have previously searched for work or taken steps to establish their own business before the reference period.
-   and are able to work and available for employment (i.e., ready, and willing to work) during the past week or the two weeks following the date of the household interview.

•    Population In the Labor Force:
All individuals (15 years and above) who, during the time reference period, were either actually working (Employed) or seeking work and available for work (Unemployed).
•    Population outside the labor force:
All individuals (15 years and above) classified as neither employed nor unemployed because they were not working, not seeking work, unable to work, or not ready to join the labor force during the survey's time reference period; such as: students and housewives. Students and housewives.
•    Unemployment rate:
An indicator that measures the participation of the working-age population (15 years and above) in the labor force who are unemployed. It is the ratio of unemployed persons to the labor force, expressed as a percentage.
•    Labor force participation rate:
Labor force participation rate: An indicator that measures the participation of the working-age population (15 years and above) in the labor force (employed or unemployed). It is the ratio of the labor force to the population aged 15 years and above, expressed as a percentage.
•    Employment-to-population ratio (15 years and above):
An indicator that measures the proportion of employed persons to the population aged 15 years and above, expressed as a percentage.
•    Average weekly working hours:
An indicator that measures the average weekly regular working hours of employed persons (15 years and above), which is the ratio of total hours worked to total employed persons.
•    Average monthly wage of wage earners:
An indicator that measures the average monthly wage of wage earners (15 years and above), which is the sum of the monthly wage to the total number of wage earners or wage trainees (who reported a wage).
Concepts and terminology of the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication:
•    Employed persons (based on administrative records):
All working individuals who hold jobs in accordance with the laws and regulations approved by the labor market regulatory authorities and are registered in the administrative records.
The employed persons in administrative records can be classified according to the laws and regulations they are subject to as follows:
-    Employed persons according to the Civil Service laws and regulations: Saudis working across all government entities, public agencies, and public institutions in jobs approved in the state budget and subject to the Civil Pension Law, including employees and workers (males and females), as well as non-Saudis contracted to fill these positions in accordance with the Regulations for the employment of non-Saudis.
-   Employed persons according to the Social Insurance Law and the Labor Law: This includes both Saudis and non-Saudis.
-   Domestic workers:
Non-Saudi workers of both sexes who work in households, including housekeepers, cleaners, cooks, waiters, drivers, guards, nurses, and private tutors working in households.
-   New subscribers under the laws and regulations of Social Insurance: Individuals whose subscription to Social Insurance started during the current quarter and who were not subscribed in the previous quarter. 
-   Subscribers who discontinued their participation in the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI). Individuals who were registered as subscribers in Social Insurance during the previous quarter and discontinued their participation during the current quarter.
Employed persons' data in Labor Market Statistics, derived from administrative records, does not include the following categories:
•    Employees in the security and military sectors.
•    Employees not registered in the Social Insurance or Civil Service records, which include:
-    Saudis working outside establishments who are self-employed and are not subject to labor laws, nor registered in Social Insurance, such as those working in delivery services via electronic applications.
-    Saudi employers who work in establishments and are not registered in Social Insurance.
-    Non-Saudi employees working in international, political, or foreign military missions.
-    Non-Saudi employees who come to the Kingdom for work that does not usually exceed three months.

Data sources

Data source of the Labor Market Statistics Publication.
Labor Force Survey:
It is a household survey in which data is collected through contacting a representative sample of the population across all administrative regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, covering both occupied households and non-occupied housing units. An electronic questionnaire containing several questions is completed through interviews with households. The survey provides estimates and indicators related to the labor force of the working-age population (15 years and above) residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It also provides estimates of the population (those in the labor force and those outside the labor force) and calculates key labor market indicators, such as unemployment rates, labor force participation rates, and the employment-to-population ratio, among others. 
The disseminated key variables of survey data are:
Unemployment, employment, and labor force participation rates by the following variables:
•    Nationality.
•    Sex.
•    Age groups.
•    Educational level
•    Administrative regions
Data source for the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication.
Administrative records:
They are the recorded and updated data and information held by government entities related to the labor market, generated through official electronic registration and documentation processes followed by the following government agencies.
•    General Organization of Social Insurance GOSI
•    Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development.
•    National Information Center.
These entities regularly provide the Authority with the data recorded in their systems, as they constitute a primary source of data on employed persons subject to the Civil Service laws and regulations and the Labor Law in both the public and private sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 
Main variables of administrative data are:
Employed persons subject to the Civil Service laws and regulations, the Labor Law, the Social Insurance laws and regulations, and domestic workers, by the following variables:
•    Nationality.
•    Sex.
•    Age groups.
•    Administrative regions
•    Occupations.
•    Activities.

Designing the data collection tool

Data for the Labor Market Statistics Publication is collected through the Labor Force Survey using a questionnaire prepared and designed by specialists at the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The questionnaire is designed, programmed, and supported with the necessary tools to conduct computer-assisted personal and telephone interviews (CAPI & CATI), ensuring ease of use by field researchers. In its design, international recommendations, standards, and definitions are taken into account. It is also shared with relevant entities to obtain their views and feedback. Furthermore, the questions are formulated in a clear and scientific manner to standardize the wording of questions.
The questionnaire includes several sections, including:
•    Dwelling and Household Metadata.
•    Characteristics of household members, measuring demographic and social indicators such as age, sex, and education.
•    Data on employed persons (15 years and above), measuring employment indicators by occupation, economic activities, wages, and hours worked.
•    Data on job search and availability for work (individuals aged 15 years and above who are not employed), measuring unemployment indicators by job search methods, duration of unemployment, and previous work experience.
Review and validation rules:
Validation and consistency rules are incorporated into the questionnaire to ensure that the collected data is consistent, accurate, and logical. These rules are developed by establishing logical relationships between responses, questions, and various variables to assist field researchers in detecting any errors directly during data entry.
To ensure the quality of the Labor Force Survey data, three types of review and validation rules are applied, as follows:
•    Navigation rules between sections and fields:
Special rules were programmed to regulate automatic navigation between sections and fields based on the respondent’s answers, totaling 378 rules. 
Error rules:
Rules that cannot be bypassed during the data entry process. The field researcher must correct the data by referring back to the respondent to verify its accuracy. The total number of these rules exceeds 119 rules.
•    Warning rules:
Rules designed to verify the correctness of the data entered by the field researcher. The field researcher may override them after confirming their accuracy. The total number of these rules is 58.
Data were collected using standardized data request forms sent to the data-providing entities to obtain periodic, harmonized, and well-documented data derived from administrative records related to electrical energy indicators.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

The cognitive testing of the survey questionnaire was conducted on a random sample of individuals distributed across the regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, taking into account variations in educational level, age group, sex, and nationality.
During the cognitive testing process, the following evaluation criteria were considered: The overall concept of the question, clarity of question wording, clarity of the terms used in the question, appropriateness of response options, participants’ ability to answer the questions effectively, and their willingness to provide responses were assessed, leading to the preparation of a report presenting a comprehensive summary of the cognitive testing results.

Statistical population

The statistical population of the Labor Market Statistics Publication, based on the Labor Force Survey, consists of a list of all buildings and housing units in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, derived from the Saudi Census 2022. The target population for the Labor Force Survey in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia consists of individuals aged 15 years and above, both Saudi and non-Saudi, who reside in buildings intended for private housing.

Sample Design

The sample of the Labor Market Statistics Publication, based on the Labor Force Survey, was designed using a two-stage systematic stratified cluster random sampling method. In the first stage, a random sample of primary sampling units (enumeration areas) was selected for each stratum of the adopted sample design. In the second stage, a systematic random sample of housing units (households) was selected within each selected primary sampling unit.
The sample was divided into the 13 administrative regions of the Kingdom, in addition to 9 major cities and 6 special regions, collectively forming the primary stratification. See Table (1). This addition will enable, in the future, the extraction of indicators by major cities and special zones, in addition to the administrative regions. As a result, the total number of geographical divisions reached 29. With the addition of the classification into urban, other urban, and rural areas, the total number of primary strata becomes 59.
In addition, the main advantage of stratification is that it reduces variation between strata in survey estimates. The ideal approach to stratification is to achieve homogeneity within strata and heterogeneity between them based on certain characteristics. To the extent that this is achieved, stratification becomes a very powerful tool for reducing variation in survey estimates.
The 59 primary strata were further divided into 447 secondary strata based on population data collected during the Saudi Census 2022. The population data used can be summarized as follows:
•    Individual characteristics:
-   Demographic: Age, sex, nationality, marital status, etc.
-   Social: Education and income.
-   Labor force by economic activity, occupation, and sector.
•    Household characteristics:
-    Distribution of households by size.
-    Nationality of the head of the household.
•    Housing characteristics:
-    Type of housing unit.
-    Housing tenure (owned or rented).
An additional advantage of geographical stratification is that it ensures a good geographical distribution of the sample.
Table1: Major cities and special zones:

The sample was allocated using a power allocation coefficient of 0.4 to distribute the sample across the 13 administrative regions of the Kingdom. This approach met the sample size requirements for the 13 regions as well as for all nine major cities. However, this allocation did not meet the sample size requirements for all six special zones. The sample size requirements were met for only 2 out of the 6 special zones. In the second step, we increased the sample for the remaining four special zones to meet the required sample sizes. This resulted in a total sample of 97,019 housing units.
The design was based on considering enumeration areas as primary sampling units. Large enumeration areas were subdivided into multiple sampling units so that their selection probabilities were less than 1. The cluster size reached 13 housing units.
In addition, the primary sampling units were selected using probability proportional to size (PPS), with a total of 7,100 primary sampling units selected.
Sample rotation was applied by retaining households in the sample for four consecutive quarters. In each quarter, 25% of the sample consists of households surveyed for the first time, while 75% consists of rotating households, i.e., those already included in the samples of previous quarters.
The main reason for designing the sample rotation system is to reduce variation in estimates related to changes from one quarter to another. In any ongoing survey, achieving consistency and coherence in estimates of changes over time is essential.
In addition to the above, the sample rotation design helps reduce variances in change estimates due to the positive correlation resulting from the similarity of respondents providing data from one quarter to the next.
Reducing the existing variances in change estimates will enhance the surveys' ability to detect significant statistical changes from one quarter to another, as well as help minimize fluctuations between quarters within time series data.
Table showing sample sizes by region:

Statistical unit

The statistical unit in the Labor Market Statistics Publication, based on the Labor Force Survey, is:
•    The primary sampling unit consists of enumeration areas, which are composed of housing units.
•    The final sampling unit consists of housing units, including both occupied and vacant units.
•    The observation unit consists of households that usually reside in the dwellings.

Data collection

Data collection from the survey:
Data for the Labor Market are collected through computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) and computer-assisted Data for the Labor Market Statistics Publication are collected through the Labor Force Survey using computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) and computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI).personal interviews (CAPI).
Data collection from administrative records:
In coordination with the relevant departments of the Authority, administrative records data for the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication are obtained from the General Organization for Social Insurance, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and the National Information Center. These data include the number of employed persons by a range of variables. 
The data are stored in the Authority’s databases after undergoing validation and review processes in accordance with approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. The data source is referred back to in case of detected errors or observations on the data.

Data collection frequency 

Data collection for the Labor Market Statistics Publication, based on the Labor Force Survey, is conducted using a weekly sample whose data are collected continuously throughout the quarter.

Reference area

The Labor Market Statistics Publication, based on the Labor Force Survey, covers the 13 administrative regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The sample stratification is also based on the classification of enumeration areas into (urban, other urban, and rural), resulting in a total of 59 primary strata and up to 447 secondary strata.

Reference period (time reference)

Reference period for the variables or dataset in the Labor Market Statistics Publication, based on the Labor Force Survey, is as follows:
•    Data on the number of household members and their demographic characteristics are based on the date of the household interview.
•    Employment data are assigned to the reference week preceding the household interview, which is defined as a full week starting from Sunday and ending on Saturday. 
•    Data on job seekers and individuals enrolled in education and training are assigned to the four reference weeks preceding the household interview, which are defined as four full weeks preceding the interview date (from Sunday of the first week to Saturday of the last week).
•    Availability for work data refers to the reference week preceding the household interview or the two weeks following it. The two following weeks are defined as the two weeks after the household interview, from Sunday of the first following week to Saturday of the second following week.
The reference period for the variables or dataset in the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication is as follows:
Data from administrative records are based on the last day of each calendar year.

Base period

Not applicable, as the Labor Market Statistics Publication and the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication provide data and indicators periodically to measure changes over time and are not compared to a fixed base period. 

Measurement unit

The results are measured using the following units:
•    Individuals: They are displayed as absolute numbers (e.g., number of employed persons, number of unemployed persons, and working-age population). 
•    Rates, percentages, and relative distribution (e.g., unemployment rate, labor force participation rate, employment-to-population ratio, and percentage distribution of employed persons by educational level).
•    Saudi Riyal (SAR): Displayed as averages (e.g., average monthly wage).
•    Hours: Displayed as averages (e.g., average weekly working hours).

Time coverage

Data for the Labor Market Statistics Publication, based on the Labor Force Survey, have been available since 1999, initially issued on an annual basis, then semi-annually, and starting from 2016, the data have been published on a quarterly basis.
Data for the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication have been available since Q4 2016 and are published on a quarterly basis.

Publication frequency

The results of the Labor Market Statistics Publication, based on the Labor Force Survey, are published quarterly in accordance with the approved statistical plan. The following provides a brief overview of the publication frequency over time.
•    1999–2002: Annual
•    2003–2005: Suspended due to population census activities
•    2006–2015: Semi-annual
•    2016–present: Quarterly 
The results of the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication are also published quarterly in accordance with the approved statistical plan, starting in 2016.

Statistical processing

Error detection

Meticulous processes were implemented to detect errors in the data collected, using automated and manual methods aimed at ensuring quality and accuracy.
These included the following:
•    Identification of illogical or out-of-range values (such as impossible ages or contradictory data).
•    Detecting missing or incomplete data and handling them according to established policies.
•    Reviewing internal consistency among questionnaire responses.
•    Data are reviewed and matched to ensure their accuracy and precision in a way that suits their nature, with the aim of giving the presented statistics quality and accuracy.
•    Comparing the current data for publication with previous data to ensure their validity and consistency, in preparation for data processing, results extraction, and review.
•    Data processing and tabulation to verify accuracy.
All outputs are stored and uploaded to the database after being calculated by the Authority and are then reviewed and processed by specialists in the Labor Market Statistics Department using modern technologies and software designed for this purpose.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

The Labor Market Statistics Publication, based on the Labor Force Survey, uses integrated data from administrative sources in calculating some of its demographic indicators—such as nationality, sex, and age—to ensure data consistency, accuracy, and comprehensiveness. This is achieved by utilizing data on nationality, sex, and age from the National Information Center and linking them with the Labor Force Survey. 
The Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication uses integrated data from multiple administrative sources to calculate the number of employed persons, including:
•    General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI).
•    Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
•    National Information Center.
To ensure data consistency, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

Imputation and calibration

Handling missing values (Imputation):
In cases of non-response from households. In cases of household non-response, compensation is made by adjusting the weight. Using weighting adjustment factors, which are applied to the primary sampling units in the Labor Force Survey. The non-response adjustment factor is calculated using the following formula:
Non-response adjustment factor = (Number of households in the primary sampling unit) / (Number of responding households in the primary sampling unit).
In cases of incomplete datasets, some data are imputed using data from the previous rotating sample of the same group, in accordance with specific conditions and controls. If data from the previous rotating sample are not available, imputation is applied in limited cases and under strict conditions using the statistical method known as hot deck imputation, which involves selecting a random similar case for the group based on a set of variables.
In addition, administrative data are used to compensate for some incomplete data sets according to approved conditions and controls.
Calibration:
Survey data weighting:
Weighting the data is a necessary step to produce survey estimates. Weighting of survey data involves four main steps, as follows:
Weight design
Design weight is considered the inverse of the selection probability. If the selection probability in a given area is 1/200, then the design weight for that administrative region is 200. Accordingly, all responding households (and individuals within those households) in that area are assigned the same design weight.
Non-response weights
Non-response is addressed by adjusting the weights using a weighting factor. This is applied at a lower level, such as the primary sampling units, which is the approach used in the Labor Force Survey. The non-response adjustment factor is calculated using the following formula:
Non-response adjustment factor = (Number of households in the primary sampling unit) / (Number of responding households in the primary sampling unit)
Calibration methodology
Calibration is the final step in weighting. In this step, the sample weights are adjusted so that the population estimates from the Labor Force Survey align with population projections. The raking ratio method is used to calibrate the final weights. Using the following control totals to calibrate the final weights across two dimensions:
•    First dimension (Kingdom-level controls):
Five-year age groups (5-year intervals) × sex × nationality
•    Dimension 2 (Administrative region-level controls):
Administrative region (13 administrative regions) × three aggregated age groups (under 15, 15–24, 25 years and above) × sex × nationality
Imputation or statistical calibration methods are not used in the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication, as it relies on complete administrative records data. In case of any data gaps or inconsistencies, the data source is contacted directly to complete and verify the data before its inclusion in the publication.

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable, only final results will be published. 

Adjustment of preliminary results 

Not applicable; results are published in their final form and are not released as preliminary data.

Used Resources

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A criterion that measures the extent to which the product meets users’ needs.

User needs 

Internal users in the GASTAT for the Labor Market Statistics publication data:
•    Departments under the General Directorate of Social Statistics.
•    Departments under the General Directorate of Economic Statistics.
•    Departments under the General Directorate of Spatial and Resources Statistics.
•    Partnerships and Customer Support Department.
•    Statistical database.
Several external users significantly benefit from the data of the Labor Market Statistics Publication, including:
•    Entities concerned with the labor market (Ministry of Economy and Planning, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, General Organization for Social Insurance, and National Information Center).
•    Regional and international organizations.
•    Research institutions. Researchers.
•    Media.
•    Individuals. 
Key variables most utilized by external users:

Completeness 

Labor Market Statistics consist of two publications: the Labor Market Statistics Publication, based on the Labor Force Survey; and the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication, based on administrative records, to provide comprehensive information on the labor market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Accuracy and reliability 

A measure that indicates the extent to which estimates or calculations are close to the true or exact values that reflect reality.

Overall accuracy 

Data accuracy and reliability are ensured through:
•    Using updated statistical frameworks.
•    Training and qualifying data specialists to enhance their efficiency.
•    Applying quality control rules and error detection during data collection through the electronic questionnaire of the Labor Force Survey.
•    Checking the consistency between variables and ensuring coherence across different data series.
•    Comparing current data with previous data to identify any significant changes.
•    Verifying the internal consistency of the outputs before publication.

Timeliness and punctuality 

Timeliness A standard that indicates the length of time between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
Punctuality It reflects the time lag between the data publication date and the target date when publication actually occurs.

Timeliness 

GASTAT uses the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) issued by the International Monetary Fund. According to this Standard, all statistics agencies are required to publish data on a quarterly basis, and with a delay of not more than mid of year (90 days) after the end of the reference period. If the data are from different source, they may be published in a different frequency.

Punctuality 

Publication is carried out in accordance with the release dates specified in the statistical calendar published on the General Authority for Statistics website for both the Labor Market Statistics Publication and the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication.
The data are available at the expected time, as scheduled in the statistical release calendar, If the publication is delayed, reasons shall be provided.

Coherence and comparability

A standard that refers to the necessity of internal and temporal consistency of statistics, their logical coherence, and their comparability and integration across different regions and sources.

Comparability – geographical

The statistical data of the Labor Market Statistics Publication and the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication are fully comparable geographically across the administrative regions within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Labor Market Statistics Publication, based on the Labor Force Survey, is also comparable at the regional and international levels, as it is based on internationally recognized standards, concepts, definitions, and classifications adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Comparability - over time 

The statistical data of the Labor Market Statistics Publication, based on the Labor Force Survey, are comparable over time, as they rely on internationally recognized standards, concepts, definitions, and classifications adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO). When these standards are updated, comparability with previous standards is taken into account.
Since the launch of the Labor Force Survey in 1999, the survey has undergone continuous improvement and development in terms of its periodicity, questionnaire design, and methodological updates. Amendments and revisions are made to the questionnaire to align it with the latest recommendations of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and international best practices adopted by leading statistical offices. At the same time, comparability with previous data is maintained by developing methodologies to harmonize updated data with historical series. Accordingly, data produced since the inception of the survey are comparable over time.
The following are the most significant changes that have occurred in recent years:
•    1999-2006:
The survey was conducted annually, except for the years 2004, 2005, and 2010: The survey was not conducted due to the population census being carried out in 2004 and 2010.
•    2007-2015:
The labor force survey began to be conducted semi-annually, except in 2009 and 2011 when it was conducted annually due to the 2010 population census.
•    2011:
Redesigning the survey questionnaire and adding detailed questions to measure employed and unemployed persons.
•    2013:
Computer-assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) is beginning to be used as the main and only collection method. 
•    2016- Q2:
The survey period was conducted on a quarterly basis.
•    2018:
Redesigning the survey questionnaire and adding detailed questions to measure employed persons, unemployed persons, and those outside the labor force, using the standards and guidelines outlined in Resolution No. 1 issued by the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (19th ICLS) in October 2013.
•    2020- Q2:
The transition to computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) was made due to the coronavirus pandemic.
•    Q2 of 2022:
Computer-Assisted Personal and Telephone Interviewing (CAPI & CATI).
•    Q1 of 2023:
The survey shifted to using a weekly sampling method, with continuous data collection covering all weeks within the quarter, in addition to employing a sample rotation system. 
•    Q1 of 2025:
-    Redesigning the survey questionnaire and adding detailed questions to measure employed persons, unemployed persons, and those outside the labor force.
-    And applying the standards and guidelines outlined in Resolution No. 1, adopted by the 20th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (20th ICLS) in October 2018. Related to the International Classification of Status in Employment (ICSE-18).
-    As well as using the standards and guidelines set out in Resolution No. 1, adopted by the 21st International Conference of Labour Statisticians (21st ICLS) in October 2023. Related to the measurement of informal employment.

Coherence- Cross domain

The data are consistent, as their consistency is verified against data published on international organizations’ websites, which include indicators comparable to those published by the General Authority for Statistics. These procedures ensure integration and coherence across statistics, thereby enhancing data reliability and the quality of analyses based on them, and ensuring that the results are free from any unjustified inconsistencies.

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics

There is methodological consistency in Labor Market Statistics across comparable time series, which are based on population estimates derived from population censuses. For the Labor Force Survey in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the survey has relied on population estimates based on more than one census. The following presents the comparable time series based on the census reference:
•    1999 to 2003 (based on the 1992 Census).
•    2006 to 2009 (based on the 2004 Census).
•    2011 to 2020 (based on the 2010 Census).
•    2021 to 2025 (based on the 2022 Census).

Coherence- National Accounts 

Data on employed persons by economic activity and wages from the Labor Market Statistics Publication and the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication constitute a key input to the outputs of national accounts. 

Coherence- Internal 

The Labor Market Statistics publication estimates have full internal coherence, as they are all based on the same corpus of microdata, and they are calculated using the same estimation methods.

Accessibility and clarity

This refers to users’ access to data, the availability of detailed or aggregated data, as well as the availability of the methodology and quality report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 10.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT on the link: 
Press release

Publications

GASTAT issues the Labor Market Statistics publications and reports regularly within a pre-prepared dissemination plan, which is published on GASTAT’s website. GASTAT is keen to publish its publications in a way that serves all users of different types, including publications in different formats that contain (publication tables, data graphs, indicators, methodology and quality report, and used questionnaires) in both English and Arabic.
The results of the Labor Market Statistics Publication and the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication are available at:  
Labor Market Statistics

Online database

The data is published on the statistical database:
GASTAT (stats.gov.sa)

Microdata accessibility

Accurate data is unit-level disaggregated data obtained from multiple sources such as sample statistical surveys, general population and housing censuses, and administrative systems, providing detailed information about the characteristics of individuals, families, business entities, and geographical areas, supporting the construction and development of statistical indicators and scientific research.
Different types of microdata files are available to meet diverse information needs.
•    Public use: 
It consists of sets of records containing information on individuals, households, or business entities anonymized in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly, such as by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc., or indirectly (by combining different – especially rare – characteristics of respondents), such as age, occupation, education, etc.
•    Scientific use:
These files are created in accordance with specific methodologies, upon request by data users, to extract datasets with defined characteristics for use in strategic studies, decision-making, and scientific research by individuals, households, and companies, while ensuring that they do not contain any direct identifiers and are subject to confidentiality protection controls.
Qualified users who meet the standards and procedures of confidentiality protection can access the files of scientific use of accurate data through the platform "ITAHA" of the General Authority for Statistics, while the most sensitive data for use is shared by visiting the accurate data laboratory within a secure environment managed by the Authority.

References and standards

Standards of the Labor Market Statistics publication:
The concepts, definitions, and classifications are based on international guidelines and standards adopted by the International Labor Organization (ILO).
The Labor Force Survey applies labor statistics standards and guidelines adopted by the International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS), which are updated periodically.

Quality assurance

GASTAT ensures that the following principles are taken into account: Impartiality; ensuring that the statistical product is user-oriented; quality of processes and outputs; effectiveness of statistical operations; and reduction of the burden on respondents. 
Data is validated through procedures and quality controls that are applied during the process at various stages, such as data entry, data collection, and other final controls.

Quality assessment

The General Authority for Statistics carries out all statistical activities in accordance with the national model, namely the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM). Within the GSBPM framework, the overall evaluation stage represents the final phase of the statistical process, during which information collected across all phases and sub-processes is used to prepare an evaluation report that summarizes all challenges related to the quality of each statistical process and serves as an input for improvement and development actions.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality - Policy

According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1379, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only.
Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.

Confidentiality - Data Treatment

Data of SMEs survey are presented in right tables in order to summarize, understand, as well as extract their results. Moreover, to compare them with other data, and to obtain statistical significance about the selected study population. However, referring to such data indicated in tables is much easier than going back to check the original questionnaire that may include some data like names and addresses of individuals, and names of data providers, which violates data confidentiality of statistical data.
“Anonymity of data” is one of the most important procedures. To keep data confidential,

GASTAT removed information on individual persons, households, or business entities in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly, such as by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc., or indirectly by combining different, especially rare, characteristics of respondents, such as age, occupation, education, etc.

Dissemination policy

Statistical calendar

The Labor Market Statistics Publication and the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication are included in the statistical calendar.
Statistical Calendar

User access

One of the General Authority for Statistics’ objectives is to better meet its clients’ needs; therefore, it provides them with the results of the Labor Market Statistics Publication and the Register-based Labor Market Statistics Publication immediately upon their release.
Customer questions and inquiries regarding the publication and its results are also received through various communication channels, such as:
•    GASTAT official website:  www.stats.gov.sa
•    GASTAT official email address:  info@stats.gov.sa
•    Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
•    Official letters.
•    Statistical telephone: (199009).