Saudi Arabia to Raise Saudization Rates in 269 Professions
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announces new measures to increase Saudization across various sectors, including pharmacy, dentistry, accounting, and engineering.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has announced a set of decisions aimed at increasing the Saudization rates in 269 professions across various sectors, effective from July 27, 2025. The decisions are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to create more job opportunities for Saudi nationals, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and Labor Market Strategy.
The new rules mandate a 55% Saudization in pharmacy activities and 65% in pharmacy activities within hospitals, which will apply to establishments employing five or more workers in pharmacy-related professions.
In addition, the Saudization rate for community pharmacies and medical complexes has been set at 35%.
A phased approach will be applied to other professions.
The localization of the dentistry profession will occur in two phases, starting with 45% in 2025, rising to 55% a year later.
A minimum wage of SR9,000 for the dentistry profession will be applied for these Saudization percentages.
Accounting professions will undergo a gradual localization, starting at 40% in 2025 and reaching 70% by the end of the five-year plan, which will apply to establishments employing five or more accountants.
Engineering technical professions will see a 30% Saudization rate, applicable to all private-sector establishments employing five or more workers in engineering technical professions.
The decisions will be implemented in collaboration with other government bodies, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing.
Detailed guidelines have been made available on the MHRSD website for employers to understand the implementation process and penalties for non-compliance.
These decisions are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to increase employment opportunities for citizens and reduce reliance on foreign labor in various sectors, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving the objectives of its Vision 2030.
The new rules mandate a 55% Saudization in pharmacy activities and 65% in pharmacy activities within hospitals, which will apply to establishments employing five or more workers in pharmacy-related professions.
In addition, the Saudization rate for community pharmacies and medical complexes has been set at 35%.
A phased approach will be applied to other professions.
The localization of the dentistry profession will occur in two phases, starting with 45% in 2025, rising to 55% a year later.
A minimum wage of SR9,000 for the dentistry profession will be applied for these Saudization percentages.
Accounting professions will undergo a gradual localization, starting at 40% in 2025 and reaching 70% by the end of the five-year plan, which will apply to establishments employing five or more accountants.
Engineering technical professions will see a 30% Saudization rate, applicable to all private-sector establishments employing five or more workers in engineering technical professions.
The decisions will be implemented in collaboration with other government bodies, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing.
Detailed guidelines have been made available on the MHRSD website for employers to understand the implementation process and penalties for non-compliance.
These decisions are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to increase employment opportunities for citizens and reduce reliance on foreign labor in various sectors, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving the objectives of its Vision 2030.
