The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has announced the implementation of a decision to raise the Saudization rate in procurement-related professions within the private sector to 70%, effective from May 31, 2026.
The decision applies to private-sector establishments employing three or more workers in the targeted professions, based on the approved occupational definitions and titles under the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations.
The Saudization requirement covers 12 procurement-related professions:
- Purchasing Manager
- Purchasing Representative
- Contracts Manager
- Storekeeper
- Logistics Services Manager
- Warehouse Manager
- Tender Specialist
- Procurement Specialist
- E-commerce Specialist
- Market Research Specialist
- Warehouse Specialist
- Private Brand Sourcing Specialist
MHRSD said its inspection teams have begun monitoring compliance among the targeted establishments and verifying adherence to the required Saudization rates. The ministry stressed that legal penalties will be imposed on establishments that fail to comply with the regulations after the specified grace period.
According to the ministry, the decision forms part of ongoing efforts to increase employment opportunities for Saudi nationals and achieve the objectives of the Kingdom’s labor market strategy. The initiative aims to support national talent, increase localization rates across key sectors, and align workforce opportunities with the qualifications of job seekers and the future needs of the procurement industry.
The ministry continues to implement profession-specific Saudization programs as part of broader efforts to strengthen Saudi participation in the private sector and support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.