Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has introduced a new Saudization rule requiring private companies with five or more technical engineers to ensure that at least 30% of these roles are filled by Saudi nationals, starting 27 July 2025. Businesses will have a six-month grace period to make the transition, with full enforcement and potential penalties starting in January 2026.
Who Does This Apply To?
The rule covers over 200 technical job titles, including:
Civil and mechanical technicians
Surveyors and drafters
HVAC, aviation, and petroleum engineers
Electrical and telecom engineers
If your business hires for any of these roles, this change directly affects your compliance obligations.
What Are the Requirements?
To count toward Saudization:
Saudi employees must earn at least SAR 5,000/month
They must be registered with the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE)
Their job title and duties must match official criteria
What If You Don't Comply?
Non-compliance after the grace period may result in financial penalties and possible restrictions on government services or visa processing for the company.
Companies are urged to review their engineering workforce structure now, verify compliance with new Saudization metrics, and plan talent acquisition strategies accordingly. Early action will not only avoid disruption but also demonstrate commitment to national workforce development.
Northman & Sterling works alongside HR leaders and executive teams to deliver proactive Saudization planning and risk mitigation. Let us help you align with national hiring targets without disruption.
