The move to raise Saudization levels in these sectors has officially begun
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has officially begun applying its decision to increase Saudization percentages in multiple sectors, starting Sunday, 27th July 2025.
This move aims to raise the number of Saudi citizens working in pharmacy, dentistry, and engineering professions, enhancing their presence in important areas of the national workforce.
This effort is being implemented in collaboration with key supervisory entities, including the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, with the goal of enhancing Saudi participation in pharmacy, dentistry, and engineering roles. Join Saudi Expatriates group on Signal app
Saudization in the Pharmacy Sector:
As part of this initiative, the Ministry has outlined new Saudization rate targets for pharmacy-related activities, effective 27th July 2025:
* The Saudization rate in community pharmacies and medical complexes is set at 35%.
* The Saudization rate in hospital pharmacies is set at 65%.
* The rate of Saudization for other pharmacy-related activities is 55%.
These regulations apply to private sector establishments that have five or more workers in the pharmacy profession. To be considered under the Saudization policy, the minimum salary must be 7,000 riyals.
Saudization in the Dentistry Sector:
The first phase of the plan also begins today for dentistry professions, introducing a 45% Saudization rate. This applies to companies that employ 3 or more workers in dentistry roles. These establishments must offer a minimum wage of 9,000 riyals to meet Saudization criteria.
Related: Decisions for the Saudization of 269 professions
Saudization in Engineering Technical Professions:
The engineering technical professions will now be subject to a 30% Saudization rate, as per the new decision. This applies to private sector establishments with five or more workers in these professions, with the minimum wage set at 5000 riyals.
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing is collaborating on this implementation.
Support and Guidelines:
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development aims to create stimulating job opportunities for both male and female Saudi citizens, boost the participation of national cadres in the labor market, and increase their role in the private sector and medical professions.
The Ministry confirmed that it has released procedural guidelines detailing the new Saudization rates on its official website, urging all establishments to comply to avoid statutory penalties for violators.
Similar: What is Saudization?
Role of Supervisory Bodies:
This decision complements ongoing efforts to localize professions within the private sector:
1. The Ministry of Health will follow up on the localization of dentistry and pharmacy professions.
2. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing will oversee the implementation in engineering and technical professions.
Eligible establishments can benefit from support and incentive programs under the Human Resources and Social Development System, including:
* Support for career continuity is also available to eligible establishments.
* The system also grants priority access to localization support programs.
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| The move to raise Saudization levels in these sectors has officially begun |
