Saudi Arabia: Saudization Requirements Announced for Several Food, Marketing and Sales Professions in the Medina Region
January 13, 2023
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development issued a decision which will implement Saudization ratios in the Medina region for select activities in the food industry sector, as well as for several professions in sales and marketing. In the restaurant sector, restaurants with service, banquet kitchens, fast-food restaurants, and juice shops must meet a 40% Saudization ratio by July 8, 2023, while cafes with service and ice cream shops must meet a 50% ratio by this date. This only applies to those businesses that operate in stand-alone or mixed-use buildings, complexes and closed commercial centers with four or more workers in a shift for restaurants and two or more workers in a shift for cafes. Further, cafeterias, catering contractors, caterers, canteens and cafeterias in factories, offices, hospitals, schools, restaurants, cafes inside hotels and apartment and hotel villas are excluded from these requirements. In wholesale food and beverages, businesses must meet a 50% Saudization ratio by July 8, 2023, with the exception of cleaning, freight and unloading workers. Additionally, in the marketing and sales sectors, marketing specialists and sales representatives must meet a 40% ratio by June 23, 2023 and cashiers must meet a 100% ratio by June 23, 2023, with the exception of cashiers for car maintenance shops, gas stations, restaurants, cafes, plant nurseries, workshops and sales outlets smaller than 300 square meters. Employers in the Medina region should review procedural details in order to comply with the new Saudization ratios by their implementation dates.
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
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses France’s Visitor Visa – a key option for digital nomads looking to work remotely from one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Blog post
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio discusses France's visitor visa as a faster option for family members of local hire (Salarié) employees.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer outlines the legal and compliance challenges startups must navigate to offer workations while minimising risk.
Media mentions
Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner Teresa Liu highlights upcoming changes in Australia’s immigration policy under the re-elected Labour party.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.
Blog post
Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.
Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.
Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna emphasises the need for long-term planning and consistent leadership to restore confidence in Canada’s immigration system.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses France’s Visitor Visa – a key option for digital nomads looking to work remotely from one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Blog post
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio discusses France's visitor visa as a faster option for family members of local hire (Salarié) employees.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer outlines the legal and compliance challenges startups must navigate to offer workations while minimising risk.
Media mentions
Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner Teresa Liu highlights upcoming changes in Australia’s immigration policy under the re-elected Labour party.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.
Blog post
Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.
Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.
Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna emphasises the need for long-term planning and consistent leadership to restore confidence in Canada’s immigration system.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.