Saudi Arabia: New Saudization Requirements Announced for Select Professions in Amusement Parks and Entertainment Centers

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) issued a decision implementing strict Saudization requirements at amusement parks and entertainment centers, for select professions such as branch managers, supervisors, customer service and sales agents, effective September 23, 2022. Specifically, amusement parks within closed commercial complexes (malls) will be required to hire 100% Saudi nationals and establishments in the independent and seasonal entertainment cities and family entertainment centers will be required to hire 70% Saudi nationals. However, for both locations, certain professions are exempt from these requirements, such as painters, cleaners, bus drivers, loading and unloading workers, among others. Exempt professions cannot exceed 50% of all employees in one shift if there are three or more employees or 40% of all employees in one shift if there are seven or more employees. Saudization ratios only apply if there are three or more employees in one shift. Non-compliant employers will be subject to penalties, including the suspension of new work permits and the prohibition of the transfer of employees.