Saudi Arabia has introduced new Saudisation rules requiring private sector companies to ensure that 60 percent of employees in selected marketing and sales roles are Saudi nationals.
The updated regulation came into effect on April 19 after the expiry of a grace period previously granted to businesses, according to local media reports.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development said the requirement applies to establishments employing three or more workers in the targeted professions. In total, around 20 roles are covered under the decision.
In marketing, the professions include marketing manager, advertising manager, advertising agent, graphic designer, advertising designer, public relations specialist, advertising specialist, marketing specialist, public relations manager and photographer.
Sales-related roles covered under the move include sales manager, sales representative, sales specialist, commercial specialist and goods broker, among others.
The ministry has also set a minimum monthly salary of SAR5,500 for Saudi employees to be counted towards Saudisation quotas in marketing professions.
Saudi authorities said the measure is aimed at creating more employment opportunities for Saudi citizens across the kingdom.
Guidelines detailing the covered professions, implementation process, quota calculations and penalties for non-compliance have been published on the ministry’s website.
For businesses, particularly in sectors such as hospitality and retail, compliance with Saudisation remains important as it can affect access to services including visas and work permits.
Companies that fail to meet required localisation targets may face fines, hiring restrictions and operational hurdles, while compliant firms can benefit from smoother government services and visa processing.
