Saudi Arabia Issues New Employment Requirements for Certain Professionals

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has issued several decisions in relation to employment requirements in an aim to increase the inclusion of local talent in the private sector. Professions in marketing, healthcare, medical appliances, dentistry, and pharmaceutical sectors will be impacted. Furthermore, employment of foreign nationals will be restricted in secretarial, translation, storekeeping, and data entry roles. Failure to comply with employment requirements will lead to penalties for the employers.

New employment regulations will be implemented from April and May 2022 and include the introduction of Saudization employee ratios for marketing, healthcare and medical appliances professions. These professions, along with dentistry and pharmaceuticals will also see the introduction of minimum monthly salary requirements of between SAR 5000 and SAR 7000 for Saudi nationals employed in the targeted profession.

From 8^th May 2022, the Ministry will also restrict secretarial, translation, storekeeping, and data entry jobs to Saudi nationals.

Employers failing to comply with the new requirements within the set timeframes will be subject to penalties including the suspension of immigration and employment services such as the issuance of new work permits and employment transfers.

Further specifics are expected from the Saudi government concerning Saudization and other changes to employment requirements in the coming weeks.

For further information on immigration in Saudi Arabia, please contact the Sterling Lexicon immigration team.