Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, has begun implementing the decision to increase the Saudization rate in engineering professions in the private sector to 30 percent, effective Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
The decision applies to private sector establishments that employ five or more workers in the engineering professions covered by the regulation.
According to the ministry, the requirement is based on the approved occupational titles and definitions under the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations.
The decision covers 46 engineering professions, including architectural engineer, power generation engineer, industrial engineer, electronics engineer, vehicle engineer, marine engineer, sanitary engineer, and several other engineering specializations.
The ministry stated that the decision sets a minimum monthly salary of SAR 8,000 for Saudi employees to be counted toward the required Saudization percentage. It also stated that engineers working in the targeted professions must obtain professional accreditation from the Saudi Council of Engineers.
Inspection teams have already started monitoring establishments to verify compliance with the new Saudization requirement and ensure that companies meet the required localization percentage.
HRSD said the decision aims to create more productive and sustainable employment opportunities for Saudi nationals while strengthening workforce localization in the engineering sector.
The ministry warned that establishments failing to comply with the Saudization requirements will face statutory penalties after the end of the specified grace period.
