Saudi Arabia has announced a significant increase in Saudization rates for key healthcare professions in the private sector, as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enhance national employment and strengthen local expertise across vital industries.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the second phase of the decision to raise Saudization levels will take effect on October 17, 2025.
Saudization targets
Under the new targets, Saudization rates will reach:
- 80 per cent for therapeutic nutrition and physiotherapy
- 70 per cent for medical laboratories
- 65 per cent for radiology
The decision also establishes a minimum monthly wage of SR7,000 ($1,865) for specialists and SR5,000 ($1,333) for technicians.
Labour market strategy
According to the ministry, the initiative aims to increase national participation in the healthcare workforce, provide quality job opportunities for citizens, and support the objectives of the Labour Market Strategy and the Health Sector Transformation Program.
Both ministries emphasised that the policy aligns with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to build a more resilient, diversified, and sustainable economy driven by skilled national talent.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has published detailed procedural guidelines on its website to assist establishments in implementing the new Saudization requirements.
Employers are urged to comply with the regulations to avoid potential legal penalties for non-adherence.
