Riyadh, July 21, 2024 The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in partnership with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, has announced the commencement of the decision to localize engineering professions. The initiative mandates a 25% Saudization rate, effective from July 21, 2024. This policy will apply to private sector establishments employing five or more workers in engineering roles. This decision aligns with the ministries’ efforts to create more productive and stimulating job opportunities for Saudi citizens across the Kingdom. The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing has stated that it will oversee the implementation of this decision to enhance participation in the labor market, ensuring that it aligns with labor market requirements and the specialization of engineering professions. The Ministry emphasized that private sector establishments will benefit from various incentives and support programs provided by the Human Resources and Social Development system. These include assistance in recruiting and searching for suitable employees, support for necessary training and qualification processes, and aid in employment and job retention. Additionally, private sector entities will have priority access to all available Saudization support programs, as well as employment support initiatives through the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf). The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has also issued a procedural guide detailing the localization process, the professions involved, and the required percentages, which is available on the Ministry’s website. The Ministry stressed the importance of compliance by private entities to avoid legal penalties for violations.