Saudi Arabia starts Phase 2 of raising Saudization for 4 healthcare roles

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

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, began implementing the second phase of higher Saudization ratios for four healthcare professions in the private sector today, Oct. 17, 2025, in line with approved job titles and definitions.

The decision targets Saudization of: clinical nutrition and physiotherapy at 80%, medical laboratories at 70%, and radiology at 65%. It also sets minimum monthly wages of SAR 7,000 for specialists and SAR 5,000 for technicians. The rules apply to all private healthcare facilities across the Kingdom.

The ministries said the move supports efforts to boost national talent participation, creating productive, attractive jobs for Saudi men and women in line with the Labor Market Strategy and the Health Sector Transformation Program.

The decision builds on ongoing localization of healthcare roles. The Ministry of Health will oversee implementation in line with labor-market needs, while private providers will benefit from HRSD programs and incentives covering recruitment, training, upskilling, hiring, retention, priority access to Saudization support schemes, and Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf) programs.

Both ministries affirmed continued joint efforts to meet targets, accelerate delivery, and empower national talent, consistent with Vision 2030.

According to Argaam data, HRSD and the Ministry of Health announced in October 2024 higher Saudization ratios for four private-sector healthcare professions: radiology (65%), medical laboratories (70%), clinical nutrition (80%), and physiotherapy (80%).

Phase 1 began April 17, 2025, covering all facilities in the major cities—Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Dammam, and Khobar—and large and mega enterprises in other regions.