Saudi Arabia is implementing a significant shift in its workforce composition, prioritizing job opportunities for its citizens. This initiative, known as “Saudization,” follows a recent inquiry from a citizen regarding a foreign human resources (HR) specialist at a medical center.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is leading the charge. They’ve restricted HR jobs to Saudi nationals entirely. Additionally, consultancy service companies must now have at least 40% Saudi staff, reflecting an increase from the previous 35% requirement.
The focus extends beyond white-collar jobs. Starting in July, at least a quarter of engineering positions in private companies with over five employees will be filled by Saudis. Similar targets have been set for sales, purchases, and project management, with specific percentages varying by role. The dental field has also seen a change, with a minimum 35% Saudization requirement in place since March 2024. Finally, jobs in postal services and parcel transport are now exclusively for Saudi citizens.
To incentivize companies to embrace Saudization, the Ministry offers support programs. These include assistance with finding qualified candidates, training initiatives, and access to other employment support programs. This multi-pronged approach aims to significantly increase the number of Saudis employed across various sectors within the kingdom.
