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The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced the commencement of implementing the increase in Saudization rates for marketing and sales professions in the private sector, effective 19 April 2026. This follows the conclusion of the grace period granted to private sector establishments, as part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to create more attractive employment opportunities for Saudi male and female citizens across all provinces of the Kingdom.
The two decisions stipulate raising the Saudization rate in marketing and sales professions in the private sector to 60%. The requirement applies to establishments employing three workers or more in these professions, with a minimum salary threshold of 5,500 riyals for counting Saudi employees within the Saudization rate for marketing roles.
The targeted marketing professions include: Marketing Manager, Advertising Agent, Advertising Manager, Graphic Designer, Advertising Designer, Public Relations Specialist, Advertising Specialist, Marketing Specialist, Public Relations Manager, and Photographer). The targeted sales professions include: Sales Manager, Retail Sales Representative, Wholesale Sales Representative, Sales Representative, ICT Sales Specialist, Sales Specialist, Commercial Specialist, and Commodity Broker).
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has published the procedural guides for both decisions on its official website. The guides include details of the covered professions, implementation mechanisms, and the methodology for calculating Saudization rates, enabling employers and establishments to understand the Saudization calculation process as well as the penalties imposed on violators.
It is worth noting that these two decisions come as a continuation of the Ministry’s efforts, in partnership with relevant supervisory government entities, aimed at increasing Saudization rates. This is in line with the objectives of the Labor Market Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030 to support national talent and expand their employment opportunities across various sectors.
