Tourism Minister approves employment registration, establishment Saudization rules

Saudi Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb

The Saudi Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, approved policies and regulations governing the registration of employees and the Saudization of activities in licensed tourism establishments across the Kingdom, according to a ministry’s statement.

The approved policies stipulated that a Saudi receptionist should be present during the working hours at all hospitality facilities as part of the ministry’s efforts to showcase the deeply ingrained qualities of Saudi hospitality, the ministry added.

Outsourcing or delegation of Saudized professions to entities or individuals outside the Kingdom is prohibited; however, any outsourcing must be limited to entities licensed by the Ministry of Tourism or those authorized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) to employ Saudi nationals.

The ministry stressed that all tourism establishments must adhere to the authorized employee registration and Saudization policies and regulations. Violations will be monitored, and penalties will be imposed on non-compliant entities without exception, in cooperation with relevant government authorities.

According to the statement, these policies and regulations aim to boost the participation of Saudi citizens in the tourism sector, create attractive employment opportunities for both genders, and increase the contribution of national talent to the labor market and the tourism industry.

The ministry affirmed that this initiative aligns with its ongoing efforts to promote employment opportunities for citizens, empower national cadres within the sector, and improve the quality of services provided in the Kingdom’s tourism industry.