Human Resources Ministry Increases Saudization Rates For Pharmacy, Dentistry, And Engineering Professions

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has initiated new measures to increase Saudization rates across various sectors. This move, effective from today, involves collaboration with supervisory bodies like the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing. The focus is on professions such as pharmacy, dentistry, and technical engineering. These changes aim to boost national workforce participation and create more appealing job opportunities for Saudis throughout the Kingdom.

In pharmacy professions, the Saudization rate targets are set at 35% for community pharmacies and medical complexes, 65% for hospital pharmacy activities, and 55% for other pharmacy-related roles. This applies to businesses with at least five employees in pharmacy jobs. To be counted towards Saudization, a minimum salary of SAR7,000 is required.

The dentistry sector will see a 45% Saudization rate in its initial phase starting today. This applies to establishments with three or more dentistry professionals. The minimum salary for these roles must be SAR9,000 to be included in the Saudization calculation.

For technical engineering professions, a 30% Saudization requirement has been established in partnership with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing. This affects private sector companies employing five or more individuals in these roles. A minimum salary of SAR5,000 is necessary for inclusion in the Saudization rate.

The Ministry has released detailed procedural guides on its website to explain these decisions and required Saudization rates. Businesses are urged to comply to avoid penalties for non-compliance. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to localize jobs within the private sector.

The Ministry of Health oversees the implementation of Saudization in dentistry and pharmacy professions according to labor market needs. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing monitors its application in technical engineering fields.

Support Programs for Private Sector

Private sector companies will benefit from support programs offered by the Human Resources and Social Development system. These include recruitment assistance, training, qualification programs, employment support, retention aid, priority access to Saudization support initiatives, and resources from the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf).

With inputs from SPA