Saudi Arabia has announced that 70% of jobs in specified project management professions must be held by Saudi nationals from February 14, 2027.
The requirement covers project management directors, project management engineers, and project management specialists, according to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
The decision is aimed at increasing the participation of Saudi nationals in the labor market, creating more employment opportunities, attracting specialized local talent, and improving workforce efficiency.
The new requirement represents a significant increase from previous Saudization levels for project management professions. Private companies with three or more employees in these roles were required to reach a 35% Saudization rate by December 24, 2023, followed by 40% by December 12, 2024.
Employees covered by these project management requirements must also receive a minimum monthly salary of SAR 6,000.
Saudi Arabia has also increased localization requirements in other professions. Companies with at least three employees in specified procurement professions were required to reach 50% Saudization, while companies with at least five workers in specified sales professions were required to reach 15%, both by December 24, 2023.
Postal and freight businesses were required to reach 100% Saudization by October 26, 2023. However, jobs involving loading and unloading, packaging and wrapping, shelving, product sorting, wheelbarrowing, storage, and facility cleaning are excluded, provided these workers do not account for more than 20% of employees on a shift.
Women’s tailoring and beauty salons employing 10 or more non-Saudi workers were also required to employ at least one Saudi woman by December 24, 2023, with specified exceptions covering cleaning, nail care, body care, transportation, and delivery activities.
Employers that fail to comply with applicable Saudization requirements may face penalties, including the suspension of immigration and employment services.
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