The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced Thursday the launch of a new phase of the “Nitaqat Mutawar” (Developed Nitaqat) program starting in 2026 for a three-year period.
The initiative aims to localize more than 340,000 additional jobs for Saudi citizens in the private sector, according to the ministry’s statement. The program is designed to support labor market sustainability and align with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.
Program Timeline and Objectives
The new phase is scheduled to begin on April 26, 2026, and will run for three years, according to official announcement shared on its official channels. This represents a continuation of the program that was initially launched in 2021.
Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi said the new phase was designed to balance employment localization goals with private sector growth. The minister stated the program is based on comprehensive analysis of labor market conditions and capabilities of establishments across various sectors.
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Past Performance
The ministry revealed that the Nitaqat Mutawar program has contributed to employing more than 550,000 people during the three years since its launch.
Al-Rajhi noted that previous phases of Nitaqat demonstrated Saudi citizens’ ability to succeed in various professions with high efficiency. He added this established the foundation for launching a new phase that reflects the ministry’s commitment to empowering national competencies.
Implementation Approach
Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor Sector Abdullah Abu Thunain said the ministry conducted comprehensive analytical studies of all sectors and establishments. Through these studies, targeted and realistic localization percentages were proposed that consider the nature of business operations and market conditions, he stated.
Abu Thunain indicated the initiative will contribute to enhancing job stability, increasing productivity, and achieving sustainable development of the labor market.
Strategic Goals
The ministry confirmed the new phase aims to increase citizen participation in the labor market, create quality employment opportunities, and achieve sustainable balance between supply and demand. The program is intended to support national economic growth and strengthen private sector confidence over the long term.
The announcement emphasizes the ministry’s focus on private sector localization while maintaining competitiveness in the Saudi economy.