29 April 2025

Saudi Arabia increases Saudization rates for roles in healthcare and tourism

On 21 April 2025, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, announced the localization of 41 professions in the tourism sector to create more job opportunities for citizens across the country. Additionally, as per an October 2024 announcement, the MHRSD and the Ministry of Health initiated the first phase of Saudization rate increases for four healthcare professions, effective 17 April 2025. Saudization, also known as Nitaqat, is a policy by the MHRSD that mandates companies to employ Saudi nationals based on specific quotas, with the aim to create job opportunities for them in the private sector.

A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services, and attached below, provides additional details.

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Attachment

Full text of Tax Alert

Document ID: 2025-0961