60% Saudization mandate for marketing, sales roles takes effect with SAR 5,500 minimum pay

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Saudi Arabia, has announced the implementation of higher Saudization (job nationalisation) rates for marketing and sales roles in the private sector, effective April 19, 2026, marking the end of the grace period previously granted to businesses.

The initiative, earlier announced in January, is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to create more attractive employment opportunities for Saudi nationals across regions, in line with broader labour market reforms.

Under the new regulations, companies will be required to achieve a 60% Saudization rate in marketing and sales professions. 

The policy applies to establishments employing three or more workers in these roles. Additionally, a minimum monthly salary of SAR 5,500 has been set for Saudi employees to be counted within the localisation quota for marketing jobs.

The targeted marketing roles include positions such as marketing manager, advertising agent, advertising manager, graphic designer, advertising designer, public relations specialist, marketing specialist, PR manager, and photographer.

In the sales domain, the roles covered include sales manager, retail sales representative, wholesale sales representative, sales representative, ICT sales specialist, commercial specialist, and commodities broker.

The ministry has also published detailed procedural guidelines on its official website, outlining the covered occupations, implementation mechanisms, and methods for calculating Saudization rates. The guidelines further specify penalties for non-compliance, offering employers clarity on enforcement.

The latest measures build on the government’s continued push, undertaken in collaboration with supervisory authorities—to increase localisation across professions. 

The initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to strengthen national talent, expand employment opportunities, and reduce reliance on expatriate labour across key sectors.