Human Resources Ministry Issues Major Localization Decisions for 269 Professions

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), in collaboration with the ministries of health, commerce, and municipalities and housing, announced a series of decisions to enhance localization rates across 269 professions in diverse sectors, including dentistry, pharmacy, accounting, and technical engineering, to expand employment opportunities for Saudi citizens across all regions of the Kingdom.
 Effective July 23, 2025, the decision to increase the localization rates in pharmacy professions will be implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Health. The decision requires establishments with five or more employees in pharmacy professions to adhere to the following localization rates: 35% in community pharmacies and medical complexes, 65% in hospital pharmacy operations, and 55% in other pharmacy-related activities.
 Localization rates for dental professions in establishments with three or more employees will increase in two stages: 45% from July 23, 2025, and up to 55% after 12 months. Additionally, the minimum wage for dental professions has been raised to SAR9,000 to be considered in the localization rate calculation.
 In collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, HRSD has implemented a phased approach to increase the Saudization percentage in accounting professions. Commencing on October 22, 2025, this initiative will be implemented over five years, with the first stage targeting establishments employing five or more accountants. The initial Saudization rate will be set at 40%, gradually increasing to 70% over a five-year period.
 In collaboration with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, HRSD has issued a decision to increase the Saudization percentage in technical engineering professions. Effective July 23, 2025, all private sector establishments with five or more employees in these professions are required to achieve a Saudization rate of 30% of the total workforce.
 HRSD issued detailed procedural guidelines on its website, outlining the Saudization calculation methods and specifying penalties for violations.
 These decisions are part of HRSD's efforts to support the Kingdom's Vision 2030 by creating more job opportunities across various sectors for the national workforce.