Saudiization explained: What does it mean to jobs, expansion and employers in Saudi Arabia. world News
TL; Dr.
- Saudization (
Nintakat ) There is a national policy that requires companies to appoint Saudi citizens. - Businesses are ranked from how well they complete the quota set on the basis of size and industry.
- While the expats face strict competition, skilled professionals still have valuable and need.
Saudi Arabia is facing a generational change as to how its task force operates. For decades, the country was overshadowed by foreign workers, especially in the private sector. But he is changing. With a increasing concern with more than 35 Saudi population and unemployment among citizens, the government is actively working to change balance.This change is being operated by saudization, which is officially called Nintakat Program. It is part of a large plan, Vision 2030, to diversify the economy and create more opportunities for Saudi citizens. At its core, Saudization is about obtaining more locals in private sector jobs, especially in industries that have long been dependent on the expats.Under this system, companies are required to hire a specific number of Saudi citizens based on their size, region and existing workforce. The policy is mandatory and comes with real results, both encouragement for compliance and punishment for low fall.For companies, this means how they rent. For expats, this means to be more strategic about where and how they fit in a changing job market.
What is saudization?
Saudization is a government program that hits quota for Saudi citizens within private companies. It was introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to deal with unemployment among Saudi citizens and to build a local workforce of the country.Unlike many public sector jobs, which already appoint a large number of Saudi, the private sector has long rely on migrant labor, especially for technical, administrative and service roles. The saudiization focuses on this part of the economy.Vision 2030 is associated with goals: comprehensive objective is to reduce unemployment by 7% by the next decade (from 12.9% higher in 2018). It also supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to build more flexible, knowledge-based economy.
How Nitaqat classification works
Six levels based on compliance: Private companies are placed in six areas, it depends on how many Saudi citizens they appoint relative to their total workforce:
- Platinum- highest level level
- Average above high green
- Medium green
- Low green- under the target
- Yellow- minimum compliance
- Red
why it matters
Companies in high areas (platinum, high green) get benefits such as quick visa processing, easy labor approval and priority in some government services. Lower-zone companies (yellow, red) are delayed, hiring restrictions and even a fine or suspension of services.
Who needs compliance?
Companies with 10 or more employees should follow the classification system. Small companies have not been exempted, they should still rent at least one Saudi National.
Saudization Rules in 2025
By 2025, the saudiization program is being updated with strict enforcement and more targeted field-specific requirements. For example:
- In retail and customer service, Saudi citizens are required for front-line roles.
- Human Resource Departments should be led by Saudi managers.
- Sale roles in women’s clothing shops should be filled by Saudi women.
- Some areas, such as aviation, hospitality, and IT, are now sub-class requirements for specific job titles.
The ministry updates the annual quota annually, so companies need to inform or slip in a low compliance category.
Jobs reserved for Saudi citizens
Some roles are now completely limited to Saudi citizens. These positions are not open to the expats, regardless of their merit. Examples include:
- Human Resource Rolls: Executive HR Manager, HR Director, Payroll Officer
- Customer-support jobs: call center clerk, reservation agent, cashier
- Special roles:
Air traffic controller Meteorologist - Sales Rolls: Sales Specialist (especially in women’s shops)
- Clerical Work: Tourist
Information clerk Complaint clerk, booking agent
The list of restricted jobs increases each year as the government expands the saudiization policy in more areas.
What does it mean for expats
Saudization encourages companies to prefer Saudi citizens to hiring, especially in roles where local talent is rapidly available, such as HR, administration and customer-supporting services. This means that the decisions that have been on work so far take into account more national employment goals than before.But this innings does not close the door for expats. In fact, professionals with special skills are still in high demand, especially in industries where expertise is locally rare. These areas include:
- Engineering
- Health care
- Technology and software
- Education
- senior management
Saudi Arabia continues to attract experienced professionals who bring value through technical skills, leadership, or global experience. As the job market becomes more concentrated and selective, exits that offer unique abilities remain important contributors in the development of the country.
Efforts to keep similar national work in the Gulf
Saudization is not unique. Other Gulf countries have launched their national recruitment initiative:
- Emirateization (UAE): Encourages companies to hire
Emirates National, compulsory quota growing. - Omanization (Oman): In particular in oil, banking and telecommunications, the target replacement of expats with Omanis.
- Qatarization (Qatar): It focuses on national employment in strategic fields such as energy and finance.
- Deafification (Bahrain): It aims to train and keep the citizens of Bahrain in both public and private sectors.
Each program has different levels of enforcement and industry focus, but they all reflect a broad regional tendency: governments want their civilians to be more involved in shaping the economy.
questions to ask
- 1. Does Saudi Arabia apply to all companies in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. All private sector companies are expected to comply, especially with over 10 employees. Small companies still need to appoint at least one Saudi citizen.
- 2. What if a company does not fulfill the saudization quota?
Companies in red or yellow areas may face restrictions, including restricted work, penalty, and reduced access to government services. In severe cases, a business license can be suspended.
- 3. Can exits still get jobs under Saudization?
Yes, but it depends on industry and role. Excips are still required with strong qualifications in areas such as engineering, tech and healthcare. However, roles in administrator, sales and HR are fast moving to Saudi citizens.
