Saudi Arabia: Increased Saudization Requirements for Certain Private-Sector Healthcare Roles

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.