Saudi Arabia: Increased Saudization Requirements for Certain Private-Sector Healthcare Roles
October 29, 2025
Update October 29, 2025: As anticipated, the two-phase Saudization rate policy went into effect as described below.
November 22, 2024: Effective in 2025, Saudi Arabia will increase Saudization rates for four private-sector healthcare professions as follows:
- Medical laboratories: 70% (up from the current 60%);
- Physiotherapy: 80% (up from the current 60%);
- Radiology: 65% (up from the current 60%); and
- Therapeutic nutrition: 80% (up from the current 60%).
These increases will be implemented in two phases. Starting April 17, 2025, the new rates will apply to all hospitals and health facilities in Al Khobar, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, Makkah and Riyadh, as well as large health facilities in other cities. Starting October 17, 2025, the new rates will apply to all other hospitals and health facilities in Saudi Arabia. To assist with the transition, Saudi Arabia will provide employers with support in recruiting and training Saudi nationals in the affected fields. Employers may need to restructure their workforce constitution to ensure compliance with these new Saudization requirements.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood and Senior Associate Kimberley Ong explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.
Media mentions
Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.
Media mentions
Blog post
Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.
Awards
Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights a key development as Poland prepares to extend protection for Ukrainians, pointing to the growing role of the courts.
Media mentions
Director Kelly Hardman discusses how UK offshore immigration rules are creating challenges for energy and maritime operations.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s immigration rules and their implications for employers.
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood and Senior Associate Kimberley Ong explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.
Media mentions
Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.
Media mentions
Blog post
Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.
Awards
Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights a key development as Poland prepares to extend protection for Ukrainians, pointing to the growing role of the courts.
Media mentions
Director Kelly Hardman discusses how UK offshore immigration rules are creating challenges for energy and maritime operations.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s immigration rules and their implications for employers.