The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has announced the launch of the second phase of the Saudization plan for four health professions in the private sector. The policy will take effect on October 17, 2025, in accordance with the approved professional definitions and classifications.
Under the new directive, Saudization targets have been set at 80% for clinical nutrition and physical therapy, 70% for medical laboratories, and 65% for radiology. The minimum monthly salary will be SR7,000 for specialists and SR5,000 for technicians. The regulation applies to all private healthcare institutions across the Kingdom.
The MHRSD has published detailed procedural guidelines on its official website, outlining implementation requirements and Saudization ratios. It also urged establishments to comply with the decision to avoid regulatory penalties.
This initiative continues the Kingdom’s broader efforts to nationalize health professions. The Ministry of Health will supervise the implementation to ensure alignment with labor market demands and healthcare sector needs.
Private sector institutions participating in the initiative will receive government support through various human resources programs, including recruitment assistance, training, qualification, employment sustainability measures, and preferential access to Saudization and Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) schemes.
The decision aims to increase Saudi participation in the health workforce, creating sustainable and rewarding employment opportunities while supporting the goals of the Labour Market Strategy and the Health Sector Transformation Programme under Vision 2030.
In a related development, Saudi Arabia has also moved to localize the tourism sector, requiring all hospitality establishments to employ at least one Saudi receptionist during working hours and register all staff with the MHRSD prior to employment. The initiative, approved by Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, seeks to boost job creation and service quality across the Kingdom’s growing tourism industry.
