The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has announced new Saudization targets for 269 job roles across various sectors.

One of the key changes includes a requirement for 55 percent Saudi employees in pharmacy-related jobs and 65 percent in hospital pharmacy roles, starting July 27, 2025. 

Overall, the new Saudization rates for the pharmacy sector will be 35 percent in community pharmacies and medical complexes, 65 percent in hospital pharmacies, and 55 percent in other pharmacy roles. These rules apply to businesses with five or more pharmacy workers.  

In addition to pharmacy, other job roles include dentist, accountant, engineering technician, and more. 

Specifically for dentistry, Saudization will gradually increase in phases. Starting July 27, 2025, 45 percent of the workforce in dental establishments must be Saudi, with that increasing to 55 percent by July 2026. These rules apply to businesses with at least three dental professionals. Furthermore, Saudi dentists counted in the Saudization quotas will have a minimum wage of SR9,000.

The accounting jobs will undergo a five-phase Saudization plan over five years, starting October 27, 2025. The first phase requires 40 percent Saudization in companies with at least five accountants, gradually increasing to 70 percent.

For engineering technician roles, at least 30 percent of employees must be Saudi nationals starting July 27, 2025. This applies to private sector companies with five or more engineering technicians.

To support this initiative with MHRSD, key government entities like the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Commerce, and Ministry of Municipalities and Housing are working together to create more job opportunities for Saudi men and women nationwide. This initiative supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the Labour Market Strategy by boosting employment and improving the job market. Employers must comply with the new Saudization targets or face penalties as mentioned in the guideline book available on the website of MHRSD. 

Previously, the ministry revised the Saudization rates for four key roles in the healthcare sector. The targets were increased to 65 percent for radiology roles, 70 percent for medical laboratory roles, and 80 percent each for therapeutic nutritionist and physiotherapist roles. In July last year, the targets for engineering job roles were set at 25 percent.

In another attempt to improve Saudi's job market, the Ministry launched the "Remote Work Program" starting January 1, 2025. This program provides a legal framework to support and regulate remote work, offering more flexibility, promoting job localisation, and connecting employers with skilled professionals nationwide.