Tuesday, November 25, 2025
CEDA Meeting Highlights New Reforms for Expat Workers, Health Transformation, and Vision 2030 Goals
The Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA) held an online meeting on Monday to review the latest efforts to improve the skills and quality of foreign workers in Saudi Arabia’s labor market.
The council studied a joint report from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Economy and Planning, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development about professional accreditation and professional licensing. The report explained the progress of the professional accreditation program linked to Cabinet Resolution No. 195. This program ensures that expatriate workers have the right qualifications, skills, and experience needed in the Saudi labor market. It applies both before workers enter the Kingdom and after they arrive, through the professional verification track. Trending: New decision on Saudization of 12 Jobs in Gym and Sports Center of private sectors
These policies are meant to limit the number of foreign workers who can come in, improve labor market statistics, and raise the skill level of the workforce. The paper also included findings from research on how to organize and standardize professional licensing procedures in Saudi Arabia. This initiative will help improve labor data and increase the quality and efficiency of related services.
At the beginning of the meeting, the council reviewed the quarterly economic report from the Ministry of Economy and Planning. This study had details about global economic trends, how the economy was doing in various sectors of the country, what to expect in the future, and the main things that are driving economic growth. The council stated that the Saudi economy is still growing quickly, thanks to good performance in all areas of it.
The council then looked over the Ministry of Finance's report on how the state budget did in the third quarter of fiscal year 2025. The report had information about income, expenses, and public debt to the end of the third quarter. It confirmed ongoing support for development and service projects, as well as government measures aimed at achieving financial stability and broadening revenue streams as part of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Ministry of Health also presented a report on progress in the health transformation plan. This included updates on regulatory and operational preparations and readiness for the second phase of implementation. The second phase aims to empower the Health Holding Company and the Center for National Health Insurance as main pillars in restructuring the health sector. Most Viewed: 4 reasons why Saudi employers are not hiring Expat workers
The research looked at the aims of the health transformation program and the most important initiatives that have been taken so far, like creating a new healthcare model and making preventive and treatment services more available. These initiatives have made it easier for people to obtain health care, made services better and more efficient, and made people safer from health hazards. This work is in line with the Health Sector Transformation Program under Saudi Vision 2030.
The council also reviewed progress in adopting draft regulations for healthcare institutions joining the Center for National Health Insurance network. Once approved, these regulations will set the requirements for healthcare institutions and clusters to join the network. They will also organize how these institutions work with the center. The program will help create an integrated, results-based healthcare network that ensures quality services, improves access, increases patient satisfaction, maintains sustainability, and uses resources more efficiently.
The council discussed a semi-annual report from the Human Capability Development Program and the Ministry of Media on the development of Saudipedia. The report highlighted progress since the encyclopedia’s launch in multiple languages, the growing number of users, and improvements in user experience using artificial intelligence. It also outlined plans to expand the platform globally and improve operational efficiency. The report noted a 20% increase in search engine visibility during September and October compared to July and August, along with over 70% growth in audience engagement—10% higher than before.
The council also reviewed several procedural topics, including:
➤ The draft law for the National Curriculum Center
➤ The national insurance sector strategy
➤ The Kingdom’s goals for the football system
➤ A draft document defining geographical areas for non-Saudi property ownership. Read: 7 Travel rules all Saudi residents must follow before traveling abroad
Additionally, the council reviewed reports and studies on:
🔘 The feasibility of creating specialized professional programs in infection prevention and control
🔘 Results of a field survey measuring changes in food loss and waste in the Kingdom
🔘 A study on using cognitive development tests in health programs
The council was also briefed on:
■ The quarterly real estate price index report
■ Semi-annual reports on government entities’ electricity and water consumption
■ The monthly foreign trade summary
■ Monthly consumer and wholesale price index summaries and their supporting data
Finally, the council made the necessary decisions and recommendations regarding all these matters. Join Saudi Expatriates channel on Facebook
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| CEDA Meeting Highlights New Reforms for Expat Workers, Health Transformation, and Vision 2030 Goals |
