Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................. 1

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................... 7

1.

Conceptual Framework and Methodology......................................................................................... 9

1.1

Overview of activation....................................................................................................................................................... 9

1.2

Definitions of activation................................................................................................................................................. 10

1.2.1

Job search support................................................................................................................................................. 11

1.2.2

Training programmes .......................................................................................................................................... 12

1.2.3

Job Creation .............................................................................................................................................................. 14

1.3

Links between employment, social and poverty reduction policies.......................................................... 14

1.3.1

Direct interventions in the unemployment spell ..................................................................................... 15

1.3.2

Impacts of activation ............................................................................................................................................ 16

1.4

Delivering activation: institutions and employment services ...................................................................... 18

1.5

General conclusions on implementing activation strategies......................................................................... 19

1.6

Methodology & framework for examining activation strategies ................................................................. 20

2.

Overview of Activation in the OIC Member States.........................................................................23

2.1

Employment Situation in the OIC Member States .............................................................................................. 26

2.1.1

Trends in labour demand ................................................................................................................................... 27

2.1.2

Trends in labour supply ...................................................................................................................................... 29

2.2

Activation policies and programmes implemented .......................................................................................... 31

2.2.1

Job search support................................................................................................................................................. 33

2.2.2

Training ...................................................................................................................................................................... 35

2.2.3

Job creation............................................................................................................................................................... 36

2.2.4

Summary of activation tools ............................................................................................................................. 39

3.

Case Studies.................................................................................................................................................41

3.1

Saudi Arabia ........................................................................................................................................................................ 41

3.1.1

Background............................................................................................................................................................... 41

3.1.2

Design and performance of the current activation policies and programmes ........................... 43

3.1.3

The way forward .................................................................................................................................................... 48

3.2

Malaysia ................................................................................................................................................................................ 49

3.2.1

Background............................................................................................................................................................... 49

3.2.2

Design and performance of the current activation policies and programmes ........................... 50

3.2.3

The way forward .................................................................................................................................................... 53

3.3

Cameroon ............................................................................................................................................................................. 54

3.3.1

Background............................................................................................................................................................... 54