Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced a significant policy update, issuing two decisions that will raise the Saudization rate to 60% for marketing and sales professions within the private sector. The new regulations are set to take effect on January 19, 2026, marking a pivotal shift for businesses operating in the Kingdom.
The policy applies to all private sector establishments with three or more employees in either marketing or sales roles. Companies will be given a three-month period from the announcement date to ensure they meet the new localization requirements.
The New Mandates for Marketing and Sales
The first decision targets marketing professions, mandating a 60% Saudization rate and setting a minimum wage of 5,500 SAR for Saudi nationals in these roles. This move is designed to create more attractive and sustainable career paths for local talent in the creative and strategic communications fields.
Simultaneously, a second decision implements the same 60% Saudization requirement for sales professions. This policy encompasses a wide range of sales-focused roles across various industries, aiming to bolster the presence of Saudi professionals in customer-facing and business development positions.
Targeted Professions and Requirements
The Ministry has outlined specific professions that fall under these new regulations.
For marketing, the targeted roles include Marketing Manager, Advertising Manager, Public Relations Manager, Marketing Specialist, Public Relations Specialist, Advertising Specialist, Advertising Agent, Graphic Designer, Ad Designer, and Photographer.
For sales, the affected professions include Sales Manager, Retail Sales Representative, Wholesale Sales Representative, Sales Representative, Sales Specialist, Commercial Specialist, Commodity Broker, and IT & Telecom Sales Specialist.
Incentives and Support for Businesses
To facilitate this transition, the Ministry has confirmed that private sector establishments will receive a comprehensive package of incentives and support. These measures include assistance with recruitment, training, and qualification of Saudi employees.
Furthermore, compliant businesses will gain priority access to various Saudization support programs offered by the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), which are designed to promote job stability and career growth for the national workforce. The Ministry stated that these decisions are based on analytical studies of the labor market and are aligned with the goal of enhancing job opportunities and stability for Saudi nationals.
About the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) is a government body in Saudi Arabia responsible for overseeing the labor market, social development, and human resource policies. Its primary objective is to create a stable and attractive work environment, empower Saudi nationals, and align workforce development with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Source: Waya
