Saudi Arabia has reserved 69 administrative support occupations in the private sector exclusively for its citizens, restricting foreign workers from holding the affected positions.
The 100 per cent localisation requirement took effect on October 4, 2026. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development introduced the measure to expand employment opportunities for Saudi nationals.
The regulation covers jobs across human resources, recruitment, public relations, translation, reception, security and office administration.
According to the ministry, private-sector employers must ensure that Saudi nationals occupy all positions covered by the new requirement. Companies that fail to comply risk penalties under existing labour regulations.
Saudi Arabia Begins Enforcement
The ministry began enforcing the requirement on October 4 after granting employers a six-month transition period for some of the affected occupations.
It initially introduced the policy on April 5, 2026. Nineteen professions became subject to immediate localisation, while employers received six months to comply with the remaining 50 occupations.
Following the transition period, the full requirement now covers all 69 professions.
The ministry has also deployed inspection teams across different regions. These teams monitor private-sector businesses and assess their compliance with the new rules.
The government says the policy forms part of its wider labour market strategy. It aims to strengthen local skills and increase Saudi citizens’ participation in private-sector employment.
Full List of 69 Affected Jobs
The affected occupations cover several administrative and support functions. They include:
Human Resources and Recruitment
- Human Resources Development Manager
- Workforce Planning Manager
- Human Resources Operations Manager
- Recruitment Manager
- Recruitment Specialist
- Human Resources Operations Specialist
- Workforce Planning Specialist
- Recruitment Office Manager
- Recruitment Office Specialist
- Human Resources Clerk
- Personnel Manager
- Labour Affairs Manager
- Human Resources Expert
- Human Resources Consultant
- Human Resources Monitoring Specialist
- Labour Body Member
- Labour Investigator
- Career Guidance Specialist
- Compensation Specialist
- Job Liaison Specialist
- Cybersecurity Human Resources Manager
- Talent Manager
Administration and Office Support
23. Administrative Assistant
24. Registry Clerk
25. Record Clerk
26. Information Clerk
27. Typist
28. Secretary
29. Executive Secretary
30. Stenographer
31. Copyist
32. Administrative Investigation Manager
33. Administrative Organisation Manager
34. Institutional Development Manager
35. Civil Service Office Manager
36. Labour Office Manager
Public Relations and Communications
37. Public Relations Manager
38. Public Relations Expert
39. Public Relations Consultant
40. Public Relations Specialist
41. Public Awareness Specialist
42. Internal Communication Specialist
43. Fundraising Manager
Reception, Security and Customer Support
44. Receptionist
45. Personal Guard
46. Security Guard
47. Security Camera Monitor
48. Hotel Receptionist
49. Patient Receptionist
50. Complaints Clerk
Translation and Language Services
51. Translator
52. Linguistic Specialist
53. Simultaneous Interpreter
54. Sign Language Interpreter
55. Interpreter
56. Proofreader
Logistics, Customs and Other Support
57. Customs Agent
58. Shipping Agent
59. Shipping Clerk
60. Inventory Movement Clerk
61. Customs Clearance Agent
62. Warehouse Keeper
63. Treasurer/Cashier
64. Customs Broker
65. Protocol Specialist
66. Protocol Manager
67. Conference and Event Organisation Specialist
68. Occupational Classification Specialist
69. Member of the Labour Body
New Rules Affect Expatriate Workers
The regulation has significant implications for foreign nationals currently working in the affected occupations.
Employers must review their staffing arrangements and ensure that only Saudi nationals occupy the listed positions. The requirement also applies to private-sector establishments with workers in the covered professions.
Saudi Arabia continues to expand its Saudization policy across different sectors. The government uses the programme to increase employment opportunities for citizens and strengthen local participation in the economy.
The latest measure adds 69 administrative support occupations to the country’s localisation requirements.
