Saudi Arabia increases Saudization rates for roles in the sales and marketing sectors

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09 February 2026

Saudi Arabia increases Saudization rates for roles in the sales and marketing sectors

On 19 January 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) announced two decisions regarding Saudization rates for roles in the sales and marketing sectors. The decisions introduce a 60% Saudization requirement for targeted professions, with specific salary criteria applicable to marketing roles. Employers have a three-month grace period to achieve compliance. Saudization, also known as Nitaqat, is a policy by the MHRSD that mandates companies operating in the private sector to employ Saudi nationals in designated professions based on prescribed quotas.

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: 2026-0386

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