Saudization rates rise for engineering, procurement professions 

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

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) said it has issued two decisions to raise Saudization rates for a number of specialized professions.

In a statement, the ministry said the first decision raises the Saudization rate for engineering jobs to 30% and sets a minimum monthly salary of SAR 8,000 in the private and non-profit sectors. This was implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing as of Dec. 31, 2025.

The decision applies to companies employing five or more workers in engineering positions, based on approved professional definitions and job titles.

It covers 46 engineering professions, including architectural engineer, power generation engineer, industrial engineer, electronics engineer, vehicle engineer, marine engineer and sanitary engineer, among others.

The decision also requires professional accreditation from the Saudi Council of Engineers, with implementation beginning six months from the date of issuance to give companies time to prepare and ensure compliance.

The second decision raises the Saudization rate to 70% in procurement-related jobs in the private sector, effective Nov. 30, 2025.

It applies to establishments employing three or more workers in the covered professions, in line with approved definitions and job titles under the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations.

The decision covers 12 professions, including procurement manager, purchasing officer, contracts manager, warehouse supervisor, logistics services manager, warehouse manager, tenders specialist, procurement specialist, e-commerce specialist, market research specialist, warehouse specialist and private-label sourcing specialist.

The ministry said the decision will enter into force six months from the date of issuance, allowing companies to complete implementation requirements and achieve the targeted localization rate.

It said both decisions are based on extensive studies of labor market needs, the number of jobseekers in relevant specializations, and the future requirements of the procurement and engineering sectors.

The measures are expected to improve workplace quality, expand high-quality job opportunities for Saudi men and women, and boost their participation in vital sectors, including the non-profit sector.

The ministry said it has published procedural guidelines for both decisions on its website, detailing the targeted professions, Saudization calculation mechanisms and required compliance steps.

It urged all covered establishments to comply with measures to avoid regulatory penalties and to make use of the grace period to prepare and meet the requirements.