Saudi Arabia to Localize 25% of Engineering Professions Starting July 2024. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in partnership with the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing, announced the implementation of a decision to localize engineering professions by 25%, starting from July 21, 2024. This decision will apply to private sector establishments that employ five or more workers in engineering professions. The move is part of the ministries’ efforts to provide more stimulating and productive job opportunities for Saudi citizens across various regions of the Kingdom.
The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing stated that it will monitor and implement this decision, which aims to increase participation in the labor market. The ministry will oversee the execution of this decision to ensure it aligns with labor market requirements and the specialization of engineering professions.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing emphasized that private sector establishments will benefit from incentives and support programs offered by the Human Resources and Social Development system to assist in employing Saudis. These include support in the recruitment process, finding suitable candidates, necessary training and qualification, employment and job continuity support, in addition to priority access to all localization support programs available within the system. This support is facilitated through the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf).
“Saudi Arabia to Localize 25% of Engineering Professions Starting July 2024”
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has issued a procedural guide detailing the localization process, the required professions, and the specified percentages. This guide is available on the ministry’s website. The ministry stressed the importance of establishments adhering to and complying with the provisions to avoid legal penalties that will be enforced against violators.
This decision reflects the ongoing commitment of the Saudi government to enhance the employment landscape for its citizens, ensuring that Saudis are well-represented in vital sectors such as engineering. It also underscores the broader Vision 2030 goals of reducing unemployment rates and increasing the participation of Saudis in the private sector, thereby contributing to the overall economic growth and stability of the Kingdom. By localizing engineering professions, the government aims to build a more robust and self-sufficient engineering workforce capable of meeting the country’s development needs.