Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has announced a major expansion of its Saudization programme, extending localization requirements to 69 additional administrative support roles in the private sector. The move is part of the Kingdom’s continued efforts to increase employment opportunities for Saudi nationals and reduce dependence on expatriate workers.
The decision was issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and came into effect on April 5, 2026. Under the new directive, these administrative professions will now be subject to 100 percent Saudization, meaning only Saudi citizens will be eligible to work in these roles across private sector establishments.
The newly included job categories cover a wide range of administrative and support functions. These include secretarial positions, translation services, data entry roles, and other clerical and office-based jobs. The regulation applies to all companies operating in the private sector, regardless of their size, provided they employ workers in these designated roles.
Authorities stated that the expansion is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to strengthen the national workforce and diversify the economy. By prioritizing local talent, the government seeks to create sustainable employment opportunities and enhance the participation of Saudi citizens in the labor market.
The ministry has also issued detailed implementation guidelines and warned that companies failing to comply with the new rules may face penalties. To support businesses during the transition, government-backed initiatives such as training programs and recruitment assistance will be made available.
This latest step is part of a broader Saudization drive that has been steadily expanding across multiple sectors. Earlier measures introduced in 2026 targeted professions in engineering, marketing, sales, and healthcare, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to workforce nationalization.
