Saudi Arabia has officially begun implementing higher Saudization rates in four key healthcare professions within the private sector. This started on Thursday, April 17. The move marks the first phase of a broader initiative to increase Saudi nationals’ participation in the health sector workforce.
Under the new regulations, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has set localization rates at 65% for radiology, 80% for therapeutic nutrition and physiotherapy, and 70% for medical laboratories. This was in partnership with the Ministry of Health.
Minimum wage thresholds have also been established to support the policy. Salaries are set at SAR 7,000 for specialists and SAR 5,000 for technicians. The initial phase applies to all private sector establishments employing one or more workers in Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Dammam, and Al-Khobar. It also applies to large and mega establishments in other regions of the Kingdom.
The project will expand the policy to cover all remaining private healthcare establishments across Saudi Arabia The initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support the Labor Market Strategy and the Health Sector Transformation Program. It aims to create productive, long-term employment opportunities for Saudi citizens. This aligns with national goals for workforce development. The second phase is scheduled to come into effect on October 17, 2025.
To facilitate compliance, the MHRSD has released procedural guidelines outlining the implementation details and Saudization targets. Employers have been urged to adhere to the regulations to avoid legal penalties for non-compliance.
The Ministry of Health will monitor implementation to ensure alignment with the needs of the healthcare labor market. Private sector institutions that comply will benefit from support programs provided by the Human Resources and Social Development System. These include incentives for recruitment, training, job placement, and continued employment.
