Employment

The Challenge

Despite robust economic growth, youth unemployment in the Middle East is 25 percent -- the highest in any region. The most affected are first-time job seekers, mostly between 15 and 24 years of age, who make up more than 50 percent of the unemployed in the region.  Young people with secondary and post-secondary education face severe difficulties in securing employment mainly due to skills mismatches and long queuing for public sector jobs. In fact, the average duration of unemployment spells for youth with university or vocational education can still be measured in years.

The Opportunity

The Middle East is undergoing a period of high economic growth. Real GDP per capita has increased by about 4.0 percent per year from 2004 to 2006. This figure is up from 2.6 percent during the first four years of the decade and from 1.7 percent during the 1990s. Unemployment – albeit still high – has been steadily declining as job creation has increased. Further, private sector development, fueled by foreign and domestic investments, is becoming a major engine of job growth. Spreading the benefits of such growth will mean ensuring job creation rates accelerate to meet the demands of young workers. Moreover, the quality of these jobs is crucial if young people are to fulfill their potential and life goals.

A Fact

Egyptian women -- regardless of rising education levels -- are still four times as likely to be unemployed as men in Egypt.

   Personal Journey

Mohammed introduces himself as a school teacher, yet always speaks of his long hours at the garment factory.  Currently taking what is known as "igeza bidoun moratab", or “vacation without salary,” Muhammad’s situation is common among teachers and other low-level government employees in Egypt. Read more 

  Country Spotlight

In 2002, Syria’s total unemployment rate was approximately 12 percent, a common figure in the region. What makes the Syrian situation unique is youth unemployment –  alarmingly, youth represent 77 percent of total unemployment, the highest ratio in the region. Read more