Saudi Arabia to Increase Employment of Citizens in Engineering Sector
In a groundbreaking move, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has announced plans to boost the employment of Saudi citizens in the engineering sector.
Teaming up with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, the ministry is set to implement a 25 percent localization quota for engineering professions, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Effective July 21, this new policy will impact private sector companies with five or more employees in engineering roles.
This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s wider strategy to create more appealing and productive job opportunities for Saudi nationals nationwide.
The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing will oversee the monitoring and implementation of this policy.
According to SPA, the ministry aims to ensure that the localization efforts align with the demands of the labor market and the specific needs of various engineering specializations.
To facilitate this transition, the government is offering a range of incentives and support programs to private sector establishments. These include assistance with recruitment, candidate search, necessary training and qualifications, employment, and long-term job security.
Companies that comply with the new regulations will receive priority access to various localization support programs and employment initiatives through the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF).
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has released a comprehensive procedural guide on its website, outlining the localization process, affected professions, and required quotas. Officials have emphasized the importance of adherence to these new regulations, cautioning that establishments failing to comply will face legal consequences.