Saudi Arabia Cancels Expatriate Worker Fees for Industrial Companies
Saudi Arabia has officially cancelled the fees that were previously imposed on expatriate workers employed in industrial establishments holding an industrial license.
The decision was approved by the Council of Ministers, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, following a recommendation from the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA). Trending: Saudi court orders Government to pay the hospital bill of an illegal resident
Strong Support for the Industrial Sector
The decision shows that the Saudi government remains optimistic about the manufacturing sector. It fits in with the Crown Prince's plan to make the country's manufacturers stronger, make them more sustainable, and make them more competitive on a worldwide scale.
The move also supports the Kingdom’s goal of building a strong and competitive industrial economy. Industry plays a key role in diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy under Saudi Vision 2030.
Minister of Industry Welcomes the Decision
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef said the Cabinet’s decision to remove expatriate worker fees will significantly support sustainable industrial growth in Saudi Arabia.
He expressed his deep appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support of the industrial sector.
Boosting Global Competitiveness and Exports
Alkhorayef explained that the decision is part of ongoing government support that recognizes industry as a major pillar of economic diversification under Vision 2030.
He stated that removing these fees will help Saudi industries become more competitive globally and expand the reach of non-oil exports in international markets.
Six Years of Government Support
The minister highlighted that the government has carried the financial cost of these fees for the past six years. The first and second exemption periods ran from October 1, 2019, to December 31, 2025, and played a major role in strengthening the industrial sector. Most Viewed: More than 800,000 health practitioners registered in Saudi Arabia in 2025
Major Growth Achievements Since 2019
From 2019 to the end of 2024, Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector achieved significant growth:
➤ Factories increased from 8,822 to more than 12,000.
➤ Industrial investment value rose by 35%, from SR908 billion to SR1.22 trillion.
➤ Non-oil exports grew by 16%, from SR187 billion to SR217 billion.
➤ Employment increased by 74%, from 488,000 to 847,000 workers.
➤ Saudization rate improved from 29% to 31%.
➤ Industrial GDP increased by 56%, from SR322 billion to over SR501 billion.
Alkhorayef stressed that these achievements were only possible because of strong support from Saudi Arabia’s leadership.
Lower Costs and Advanced Technologies for Factories
The Cabinet's decision will allow factories to cut costs, boost production, and expand.
It will also encourage industrial companies to adopt modern technologies such as
🔹 Automation
🔹 Artificial intelligence (AI)
🔹 Advanced manufacturing systems
These technologies will make things run more smoothly and make Saudi industry even more competitive on a global scale.
Future Plans for Industrial Growth
By working closely with both public and private organizations, Alkhorayef assured that the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources will maintain its support for the industry. See Also: Saudi Arabia announces 30-days paid annual leave and weekly-off to these workers
Saudi Arabia aims to:
🔘 Become a leading global industrial power.
🔘 Attract international investments.
🔘 Offer 800 industrial investment opportunities worth SR1 trillion.
🔘 Triple industrial GDP to SR895 billion by 2035.
These steps show that industry is an important part of Saudi Vision 2030's plan to diversify the economy.
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