Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced plans to increase the rate of local employment to 70% across a dozen procurement professions.
The move, part of efforts to expand Saudisation rates across the country, was effective from 31 May, The Saudi Gazette reported.
It noted that the rules apply to private sector firms employing three or more workers in the targeted professions, which include warehouse manager, procurement manager and logistics manager.
Other professions named include contracts manager, tender specialist, market research specialist and e-commerce specialist, among others.
“The Ministry’s inspection teams have commenced monitoring the implementation of the decision across targeted establishments to ensure compliance with the prescribed Saudisation rates and the localisation of the designated professions,” The Saudi Gazette reported on 1 June.
Legal penalties will be imposed on companies that fail to comply after a specified deadline, it added.
“This decision forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to increase Saudisation rates across a range of professions, in alignment with the objectives of the labour market strategy aimed at supporting Saudi talent and expanding employment opportunities across various sectors,” The Saudi Gazette report stated.
It also reflects the growing number of specialist job seekers and seeks to carve out opportunities for Saudi nationals and foster more sustainable employment across the professions.
