The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), in collaboration with the ministries of health, commerce, and municipalities and housing, has announced a series of measures to raise localisation rates in 269 professions. The initiative targets key sectors, including dentistry, pharmacy, accounting, and technical engineering, to expand employment opportunities for Saudi citizens under Vision 2030.
Pharmacy sector
Effective July 23, 2025, localisation in pharmacy professions will be increased in partnership with the Ministry of Health. Establishments with five or more employees in pharmacy roles must meet the following Saudization rates:
– Community pharmacies and medical complexes: 35%
– Hospital pharmacy operations: 65%
– Other pharmacy-related activities: 55%
Dentistry sector
For dental professions, localisation rates will be implemented in two stages for establishments with three or more employees:
– 45% localisation by July 23, 2025
– 55% localisation one year later
The minimum wage for dental professions has been set at SAR 9,000 to be included in Saudization calculations.
Accounting sector
In collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, HRSD will increase Saudization in accounting professions using a phased approach beginning October 22, 2025. Establishments with five or more accountants must achieve the following:
– 40% Saudization initially
– Gradual increases reaching 70% over five years
Technical engineering sector
Localisation in technical engineering roles will increase under an HRSD decision supported by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing. Effective July 23, 2025, private sector establishments with five or more employees in these roles must ensure a 30% Saudization rate.
HRSD has published detailed procedural guidelines on its website, including methods for calculating Saudization compliance and penalties for violations. Non-compliant establishments may face fines and other enforcement actions.
