Saudi Arabia is stepping up efforts to extend native workforce participation in specialised jobs. The Ministry of Human Assets and Social Improvement has unveiled two main selections that set greater saudization targets and introduce minimal wage requirements, aiming to create higher alternatives for residents in important sectors.Saudization, or “Nitaqat,” is a nationwide coverage designed to extend the employment of Saudi residents throughout private and non-private sectors. Its purpose is to cut back reliance on expatriate labor and be certain that Saudi nationals are well-represented in key professions. The coverage units particular targets for companies, requiring them to make use of a sure share of Saudi employees relying on trade and function. Compliance is monitored by the Ministry of Human Assets and Social Improvement, with steerage offered on calculation strategies, required documentation, and enforcement procedures.
New measures for engineering roles
Below the primary determination, Saudization in engineering professions will rise to 30 p.c. This variation targets firms with 5 or extra staff working in 46 specialised roles, together with:
A brand new minimal wage of SAR 8,000 will apply to Saudi engineers in each non-public and non-profit sectors. To qualify, professionals should maintain accreditation from the Saudi Council of Engineers.The choice took impact on December 31, 2025, however firms can have six months to organize earlier than full enforcement. This preparation interval permits companies to regulate hiring practices, guarantee correct accreditation, and align with Saudization necessities.The ministry has highlighted that the transfer won’t solely enhance Saudi participation but in addition enhance the work setting by fostering expert, licensed professionals within the sector.
Increasing saudization in procurement professions
The second determination focuses on procurement roles within the non-public sector, setting a saudization goal of 70 p.c. This is applicable to institutions using three or extra employees in 12 key procurement positions, equivalent to:
This regulation comes into impact on November 30, 2025, with a six-month grace interval to permit firms time to fulfill the brand new necessities.The ministry emphasised that growing Saudi participation in procurement will strengthen nationwide engagement in crucial enterprise operations, develop job alternatives for residents, and improve general productiveness inside the sector.
Implementation and compliance
To information companies via the transition, the Ministry of Human Assets and Social Improvement has revealed a procedural information on its web site. The information gives:
Corporations are urged to comply with the rules rigorously. Failure to fulfill the brand new targets might lead to penalties, reinforcing the federal government’s dedication to constructing a extra locally-driven workforce.The ministry described these measures as a strategic step towards boosting employment alternatives for Saudis, bettering office requirements, and strengthening nationwide participation in important sectors.
