Phase 1 of Saudization in 4 healthcare professions starts today

Logo of The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD)

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, announced the commencement of phase one of the Saudization in the healthcare sector.

Saudization rates will increase across four key private-sector healthcare professions as of today, April 17, in line with the approved professional titles.

The decision aligns with ongoing efforts by both ministries to enhance the participation of national talents in the labor market and to provide productive and lucrative job opportunities for Saudi nationals. This initiative supports the objectives of the Labor Market Strategy and the Health Sector Transformation Program.

The decision aims to localize the following professions: radiology (65%), clinical nutrition and physiotherapy (80%) and medical laboratories (70%). Additionally, the minimum monthly salary will be set at SAR 7,000 for specialists and SAR 5,000 for technicians.

Phase one of the localization initiative will apply to all establishments employing at least one worker in Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Dammam, and Khobar. It also applies to large and mega enterprises across other regions of the Kingdom. Phase two will begin on Oct. 17, 2025, and will cover the remaining establishments in other areas.

Detailed procedural guidelines are published on the ministry’s official website, outlining the required Saudization rates. The HRSD Ministry has urged all establishments to comply with the new regulations to avoid penalties.

Saudi Arabia issued a decision in October 2024 to increase Saudization rates for four healthcare professions, including radiology (65%), medical laboratories (70%), clinical nutrition (80%), and physiotherapy (80%), data compiled with Argaam showed.