The Saudization decision, effective Nov. 18, applies to establishments with four or more employees
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), in cooperation with the Ministry of Sports, announced that private-sector gyms and fitness centers are required to achieve a Saudization rate of 15%.
The decision, effective Nov. 18, applies to establishments with four or more employees.
It covers 12 roles across men’s and women’s fitness centers, including sports coach, professional football coach, sports supervisor, personal trainer and professional athletics coach.
The move forms part of government efforts to raise the quality of sports services and strengthen professional standards in the private sector.
HRSD said it will offer support programs to help employers hire Saudi nationals, including assistance with recruitment, training, qualification, employment and job retention, as well as access to Saudization incentives and programs run by the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf).
The ministry also issued a procedural guide detailing the decision, the localization percentage, and the targeted professions on its website, stressing the need for establishments to comply with the provisions to avoid regulatory penalties that will be applied to violating entities.
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