In an attempt to improve Saudi Arabia’s job market, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has approved key regulations.

The regulations focus on important aspects of the hiring process, such as the essentials of job advertisements, improving the candidate experience through fair and effective interview processes, and enforcing a strict no-discrimination policy. The Ministry has also banned brokering or advertising jobs for Saudis unless the activity is licensed and complies with official rules.

The additional regulations are:

A zero-discrimination policy – Job ads and interviews must not discriminate based on gender, age, disability, marital status, or any other personal characteristic.

Only licensed and verified individuals/organisations can advertise jobs – Anyone wishing to advertise jobs for Saudi citizens must be licensed by the Ministry.

Licensed job fair events – Employers organizing a job fair or inviting people to apply for jobs outside their workplace must obtain a permit from the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority.

Approved job platforms – Employers must post vacancies only on job platforms approved by the Ministry, the company’s official website, or its social media accounts such as LinkedIn.

Essentials to post a job – Employers must include basic details about their company, such as its name, job location, headquarters information, type of work, a clear job title and duties (as per the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations), and minimum qualifications required, including skills and experience. Additionally, they must specify work hours, benefits, how to apply, and an application deadline. Applications must be submitted online only.

Fair and effective interview process – The regulations require that all employers inform candidates of the interview mode—whether it will be in-person, online/virtual, or over the phone—along with the time and date, at least three days in advance. In the case of in-person interviews, candidates must be given guidance on how to reach the interview location, ensuring it is easy to find and safe. The interview room must be well-lit, have proper and comfortable seating arrangements, and provide basic facilities such as drinking water, gender-specific restrooms, and security systems or guards. For candidates with disabilities, the location must be accessible and provide appropriate communication support.

Interview committee requirements – The regulations mandate that the interview must be conducted by a committee of at least two Saudi nationals (one must be from HR) and one department or project head. Non-Saudis may participate if needed, but they must not make up more than half of the interview panel. For example, if the interviewer and HR representative are both Saudis, one additional non-Saudi may participate in the interview.

In addition, interviewers may not ask about personal freedoms or confidential information related to past jobs. The results of all interviews must be documented in a separate file for each candidate. All interviewed candidates must be informed of the results within 30 days. If they are not selected, the reason must be shared with them.

The Ministry recently found that 80% of recruitment firms are not properly following regulations and has revoked the licenses of 15 firms found with serious violations and unethical practices. Another growing concern in the region is job fraud, which affects not only expatriates but also Saudi nationals entering the private sector following job nationalisation policies. The Ministry aims to eliminate such unethical practices, fraud job posters, and regulate labour market.