Riyadh’s Plan to Boost Employment of Saudi Citizens in Engineering Sector
In a bold move to increase job opportunities for Saudi nationals, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, has announced plans to implement a 25 percent localization quota for engineering professions.
Effective July 21, this new policy will impact private sector companies with five or more employees in engineering roles, aiming to create a more attractive and productive job market for Saudi citizens.
Taking charge of monitoring and implementing the policy, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing will ensure that localization efforts align with the demands of the labor market and the specifics of engineering specializations.
To support this transition, the government is offering incentives and support programs to private sector establishments, including recruitment support, candidate search assistance, necessary training and qualification, employment opportunities, and long-term job stability.
Furthermore, companies complying with the new regulations will receive priority access to various localization support programs and employment initiatives through the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF).
To guide companies through the localization process, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has published a detailed procedural guide on its website, outlining affected professions and required quotas. Officials have emphasized the importance of compliance with the new regulations, warning non-compliant establishments of potential legal consequences.