🇸🇦 New Saudization Rules in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia continues to implement its Vision 2030 goals by localizing more jobs through the Saudization (Nitaqat) program. In 2025, new Saudization rules have been introduced that directly affect expats working in the private sector.

Whether you’re already employed in the Kingdom or planning to move for work, understanding these changes is essential to secure your job and plan your future in Saudi Arabia.

🧭 What Is Saudization (Nitaqat)?

Saudization, officially known as the Nitaqat Program, is a national policy that requires private companies to hire a specific percentage of Saudi nationals.
The goal is to reduce unemployment among Saudis while still maintaining a balanced workforce that includes expats.

Each company is categorized based on:

Industry type
Company size
Number of Saudi employees

Depending on these factors, companies are rated into platinum, green, yellow, or red categories.

🟢 New Updates to Saudization Rules in 2025

In 2025, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has expanded Saudization to more professions and increased monitoring through digital compliance systems.

Here’s what’s new this year:

1️⃣ Saudization Expanded to More Sectors

New sectors now under Saudization include:

Education and training centers
Tourism and hotel industry
Delivery and transport services (drivers, dispatchers)
IT and digital marketing companies
Pharmaceutical and healthcare administration roles

Each sector now has a minimum Saudi employment ratio, ranging from 20% to 50% depending on the role.

2️⃣ Job Titles Restricted to Saudis Only

Certain positions are now reserved for Saudi citizens only, such as:

HR Manager
Receptionist (in hotels and offices)
Security Guard
Accountant
Administrative Clerk
Translator in some government-linked projects

Expats already holding these jobs may need to transfer to other roles or change sponsors if their positions are localized.

3️⃣ Revised Nitaqat Calculation System

The 2025 update simplifies the Nitaqat calculation by combining:

Company size,
Economic activity, and
Required Saudization percentage

This helps small and medium enterprises (SMEs) comply more easily.

The MHRSD Qiwa platform automatically shows a company’s Saudization percentage — making it easier for employers and employees to track compliance.

4️⃣ Incentives for Companies Hiring Saudis

To encourage compliance, the government now offers:

Reduced fees for work permit renewals
Priority in government contracts
Recruitment bonuses for training Saudi employees

Companies with “Platinum” Saudization status also enjoy faster visa processing and easier work permit approvals.

5️⃣ Penalties for Non-Compliance

Companies that fail to meet Saudization targets will face strict penalties:

Suspension of new work visa requests
Heavier Maktab Amal (work permit) fees
Downgrading to “Red Zone” status
Possible business license suspension

Expats working in non-compliant companies may also face Iqama renewal issues or employment transfer delays.

🧩 Related Post: How to Renew Your Iqama Easily in Saudi Arabia

👷 Impact of Saudization on Expats

The new rules don’t mean the end of expat employment — rather, they encourage a more specialized expat workforce.

✅ Positive Impacts

Expats with technical or managerial skills remain in high demand.
Skilled professionals can transfer to compliant companies easily through Qiwa.
The labor market becomes more organized, transparent, and stable.

⚠️ Challenges

Unskilled workers may face limited opportunities.
Iqama and job transfers depend more on the employer’s Saudization category.
Certain professions may no longer issue new work visas for expats.

🧾 How to Check Saudization Status of Your Company

You can check your company’s Saudization status online via Qiwa or MHRSD portals.

🔹 Steps on Qiwa Platform:

Log in to Qiwa.sa.
Go to Nitaqat Program under “Establishment Information.”
You’ll see your company’s category (Platinum, Green, Yellow, or Red).

If your company is in the Red or Yellow category, it means:

Limited visa issuance
Difficulty renewing Iqama
Restricted job transfers

💡 How Expats Can Stay Secure Under New Rules

Here are some tips to protect your employment under the 2025 Saudization regulations:

✅ Always work for a Green or Platinum category company.
✅ Regularly check your work permit and Iqama validity.
✅ Upgrade your skills or qualifications to match in-demand professions.
✅ Follow Qiwa and Absher updates for rule changes.
✅ Avoid working with unregistered or non-compliant employers.

🧩 Related Post: GOSI (Social Insurance) – What Expats Need to Know

📈 Future of Saudization – Vision 2030 Goals

By 2030, the Saudi government aims to reduce unemployment among citizens to below 7%.
At the same time, the country plans to attract highly skilled expats to fill technical, educational, and medical roles that support national development.

This balance ensures that the Saudi labor market remains competitive, inclusive, and modernized.

🕌 Final Thoughts

The new Saudization rules in 2025 bring both challenges and opportunities. For expats, this is a time to adapt, upgrade skills, and ensure employment with compliant companies.

The Saudi job market is evolving rapidly — and those who stay informed, skilled, and proactive will continue to thrive under the new system.

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