What Is Saudization (Nitaqat)? What Job Seekers, Expats & Employers Must Know
Category: Saudi Arabia

Saudization or Nitaqat is a national strategy launched by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. It requires private-sector companies to hire a specified percentage of Saudi nationals based on industry and company size. The aim is to reduce unemployment and support Vision 2030 by building a knowledge-based economy.

Nitaqat Colour Bands

Companies are classified into six tiers based on Saudization performance:

  • Platinum – Highest compliance
  • High Green – Above-average compliance
  • Medium Green – Compliant
  • Low Green – Below target
  • Yellow – Poor compliance
  • Red – Non-compliant

Higher-tier companies benefit from faster visa processing and easier labor approvals, while lower-tier companies face penalties, work restrictions, and potential license suspension.

Why It Matters in 2025: Key Updates

Saudi Arabia is enforcing new Saudization rules in 2025:

  • July 27, 2025: 30% Saudization in technical engineering roles.
  • April & October 2025: Health roles in labs, radiology, therapy, and nutrition to meet 64–80% quotas.
  • More roles in customer service, HR, and retail now exclusively for Saudi nationals.

More at: Arab Local.

What Expats Should Know

  • Expats face more competition in administrative and customer-facing roles.
  • Skilled professionals remain in demand in IT, healthcare, engineering, and education.
  • Skill-based visas now categorize expats into high-skilled, skilled, and basic tiers.

What Employers Must Do

  • Meet sector-specific Saudization quotas set by MHRSD annually.
  • Stay updated on company classification via Qiwa.
  • Hire Saudis for mandated roles; bring in expats for niche skills.

Real-World Sector Examples

Tourism & Hospitality

41 professions including hotel managers and receptionists must now be localized. 

Healthcare

Saudization in radiology, labs, nutrition therapy, and physiotherapy is being accelerated. 

Engineering & Procurement

Sales roles require 15% Saudization, procurement 50%, project management 35%. 

Tips for Different Audiences

Job Seekers (Saudi Nationals)

  • Focus on HR, sales, customer service roles.
  • Use platforms like Qiwa and Taqat to find jobs and training.

Expats

  • Specialize in high-demand sectors like IT, engineering, and healthcare.
  • Apply for high-skilled visa tiers for easier renewal and compliance.

Employers

  • Align hiring with annual Saudization targets.
  • Train Saudi employees for growth and compliance.
  • Monitor your Nitaqat status via Qiwa.

 

 

18 Jul, 2025 0 1072
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