Saudi Arabia has unveiled a significant plan to localize jobs across 269 professions in various sectors. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), in collaboration with the ministries of health, commerce, and municipalities and housing, announced a series of decisions aimed at increasing employment opportunities for Saudi citizens nationwide.

Effective July 23, 2025, increased localization rates will be implemented for pharmacy professions in partnership with the Ministry of Health. 

Establishments with five or more employees in this sector will be required to meet the following targets: 35% in community pharmacies and medical complexes, 65% in hospital pharmacy operations, and 55% in other pharmacy-related activities.

For dental professions in establishments with three or more employees, localization will be implemented in two stages: 45% starting July 23, and increasing to 55% after 12 months. The minimum wage for dental professions has also been raised to $2,400 for localization rate calculations.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, the HRSD will implement a phased approach to increase Saudization in accounting professions. 

Beginning October 22, 2025, this five-year initiative will initially target establishments with five or more accountants, setting an initial Saudization rate of 40%, gradually increasing to 70% over five years.

The HRSD, in partnership with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, has also mandated a 30% Saudization rate for technical engineering professions in all private sector establishments with five or more employees in July.

The HRSD has published detailed procedural guidelines on its website, outlining the Saudization calculation methods and penalties for non-compliance. These measures are part of KSA’s broader efforts to support Vision 2030 by creating more job opportunities for Saudi nationals across various sectors.