The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has announced the implementation of the second phase of Saudization for four major health professions in the private sector.
The decision, effective October 17, 2025, aligns with officially approved professional classifications and definitions.
Under the new regulation, clinical nutrition and physical therapy roles must achieve an 80% Saudization rate, medical laboratories 70%, and radiology 65%. The minimum salary for specialists has been set at SR 7,000, while technicians will receive at least SR 5,000. The decision applies to all private healthcare facilities across the Kingdom.
The MHRSD has released comprehensive procedural guidelines on its official website, detailing implementation steps and Saudization ratios. It urged private establishments to comply fully with the new requirements to avoid regulatory penalties.
Building on earlier nationalization efforts, this initiative aims to expand Saudi participation in the healthcare workforce and ensure that employment aligns with evolving labor market needs. The Ministry of Health will oversee implementation to guarantee compliance and support workforce development.
Private healthcare institutions will benefit from incentives and support programs, including recruitment aid, professional training, qualification opportunities, and employment sustainability initiatives through the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF).
The move supports the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Labour Market Strategy and the Health Sector Transformation Programme, both of which aim to create rewarding job opportunities for citizens and enhance national competitiveness in key sectors.
Related Development:
Saudi Arabia has also introduced new localization measures in the tourism sector to boost employment and service quality. Approved by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the regulations require all hospitality establishments to employ at least one Saudi receptionist during working hours and to register all employees with the MHRSD before commencing work, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
