Saudi Arabia: Increased Saudization Requirements for Sales and Marketing Professions

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has announced that private-sector businesses employing three or more workers in 10 marketing professions, including marketing manager, public relations manager, marketing specialist and graphic designer, must ensure that 60% of such roles (up from the current 30%) are filled by Saudi nationals by April 19, 2026. Saudi marketing professionals will be counted toward the Saudization percentage only if their monthly salary registered with the General Organization for Social Insurance is at least SAR 5,500. 

Separately, the MHRSD announced that private-sector businesses employing three or more workers in nine sales professions, including sales manager, sales specialist, sales representative and commodity broker, must ensure that 60% of such roles (up from the current 15% for businesses employing five or more workers in certain sales professions) are filled by Saudi nationals by April 19, 2026. 

Affected employers should review the composition of their workforce so that it is aligned with the newly announced Saudization rates. This may include reviewing staffing structures, increasing the recruitment and retention of Saudi nationals, and leveraging available government support programs to meet compliance requirements.  Employers that fail to comply may face penalties, including the suspension of MHRSD services, such as employee transfer services and work permit renewals.  

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.