Saudization Plans: 269 Professions in the Private Sector

Introduction

Saudi Arabia is accelerating its workforce nationalization strategy by implementing Saudization across 269 professions in the private sector. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), is designed to provide more job opportunities for Saudi nationals, decrease reliance on expatriate workers, and align with Vision 2030's workforce development goals.

As a leading recruitment agency in Saudi Arabia specializing in workforce solutions, we understand the transformative impact of Saudization on businesses and employees. In this article, we explore what these new regulations mean for the private sector, the challenges and benefits they bring, and how we can assist companies in navigating these changes efficiently.

Understanding Saudization and Its Objectives

Saudization, or Nitaqat, is a government-driven initiative to localize jobs and increase employment for Saudi citizens. The new expansion affects 269 professional roles across key industries, ensuring that more Saudis have access to stable, well-compensated employment.

This initiative not only strengthens the economy but also supports businesses in building a sustainable workforce by encouraging local talent development.

Professions Impacted by the Saudization Plan

The Saudization policy applies to multiple industries, requiring businesses to hire Saudi nationals for designated roles. Key affected sectors include:

• Healthcare: Positions such as pharmacists, dentists, and medical technicians are now subject to higher Saudization requirements.

  
  

• Pharmacy Professions:

  • 35% Saudization in community pharmacies and medical complexes. (argaam)

  • 55% Saudization in other pharmacy activities. (Saudi Gazette)

  • 65% Saudization in hospital pharmacy activities.

  • Effective from July 27, 2025. (Saudi Gazette)

    
    

• Dentistry Professions:

  • 45% Saudization starting July 27, 2025. (Saudi Gazette)

  • 55% Saudization to be implemented 12 months later.(Saudi Gazette)

    
    

• Engineering: Engineering companies employing five or more professionals must comply with a 30% Saudization quota.

  • 30% Saudization in private sector establishments with five or more employees in these roles. (proven-sa)

  • Effective from July 27, 2025. (Saudi Gazette)

• Finance & Accounting: Firms with five or more accountants must ensure that 30% of their workforce consists of Saudi nationals. 

  • 30% Saudization in companies with five or more accountants.(lexismiddleeast)

  • Effective from October 27, 2027. (lexismiddleeast)

    
    

• Retail & Hospitality: Customer service, administration, and managerial roles now prioritize Saudi employees.

  
  

• IT & Telecommunications: Saudization efforts aim to equip Saudi professionals with skills needed for the digital economy.

These measures are part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to enhance local employment in alignment with Vision 2030 objectives. (middleeastbriefing)

How Saudization Affects Businesses

While the Saudization policy presents an opportunity to strengthen the local economy, businesses must adapt strategically.

Advantages of Saudization for Businesses

•  Access to Skilled Local Talent: Government initiatives in education and training are producing highly qualified Saudi professionals. 

  
  

• Incentives & Benefits: Companies that comply with Saudization quotas gain access to financial incentives, tax breaks, and government contracts. 

  
  

• Reputation Enhancement: Demonstrating commitment to Saudization improves corporate image and credibility. 

  
  

• Sustainable Workforce Planning: Hiring Saudi nationals leads to lower employee turnover and greater workforce stability.

Challenges Businesses Might Face

• Skill Gaps in Certain Professions: Some industries may struggle to find immediately available local talent with specialized experience.

  
  

•  Higher Wage Expectations: Saudi professionals often command higher salaries than expatriate employees. 

  
  

• Training & Upskilling Requirements: Businesses may need to invest in professional development programs to bridge competency gaps.

Strategies for Businesses to Succeed Under Saudization

To remain compliant while maintaining operational efficiency, companies need a structured approach. Here’s how businesses can adapt:

1. Strengthen Recruitment Strategies:  Partner with an expert recruitment agency to source, screen, and onboard qualified Saudi candidates.

   
   

2. Invest in Employee Training Programs: Upskilling and reskilling initiatives can enhance employee competency and retention.

   
   

3. Develop Workforce Planning Solutions: Align hiring strategies with Saudization mandates to ensure smooth business operations.

   
   

4. Leverage HR Outsourcing Services: Tailored HR and payroll solutions can help businesses maintain compliance effortlessly.

Future of Saudization: What to Expect?

As Saudization continues to evolve, businesses should prepare for further regulations and workforce policy changes. Key trends to anticipate include:

• Expansion into More Sectors: Expect additional Saudization requirements in tech, manufacturing, and financial services. 

  
  

• Increased Government Monitoring: Stricter compliance checks to ensure businesses meet Saudization quotas. 

  
  

• Workforce Development Initiatives: More training programs and scholarships to enhance Saudi professionals’ skills.

Conclusion

The implementation of Saudization across 269 professions represents a transformative shift in Saudi Arabia’s labor market. Businesses that proactively align with these policies will gain a competitive edge while contributing to the Kingdom’s economic vision.

Sundus is committed to supporting businesses in meeting their Saudization targets with expert recruitment, HR outsourcing, and workforce planning solutions. If your company needs assistance in navigating Saudization requirements,

Contact Sundus today for tailored workforce solutions.

Ensure compliance and business success—partner with Sundus for expert workforce solutions!