Enhanced Nitaqat: Saudi Jobs Push for 2026-2028

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched a new phase of the Enhanced Nitaqat Program in 2026 to boost private-sector employment for Saudi nationals. The plan aims to localize more than 340,000 jobs over a three-year cycle running from 2026 to 2028.

The program focuses on raising Saudization quotas across specific professions and sectors, including marketing, sales, administrative support, healthcare (dentistry), and engineering and technical roles. Implementation and compliance run through Qiwa, the online system for private-sector employment services and Saudization management.

Mandatory Qiwa contracts

From 15 April 2026, a Saudi employee will not count toward a company's Saudization rate unless their employment contract is electronically documented and authenticated on Qiwa. By 30 April 2026, establishments must have at least 85% of all employment contracts documented on the platform. No additional government fee applies, as the mechanism is built into the employer's Qiwa account.

Higher wage thresholds

The general minimum monthly wage for a Saudi national to be counted in Nitaqat quotas rises from SAR 3,000 to SAR 4,000. Profession-specific minimums are set at SAR 5,500 for marketing roles, SAR 8,000 for engineering roles, and SAR 9,000 for dentistry roles in private healthcare.

Marketing and sales

Saudization rates in both marketing and sales professions increase to 60% for establishments with three or more workers in those roles. Covered marketing jobs include marketing manager, advertising manager, graphic designer, public relations specialist, marketing specialist and photographer, while sales roles include sales manager and retail sales representatives. Both decisions take effect on 19 January 2026, with a three-month preparation period, and enforcement begins on 19 April 2026.

The changes matter for residents and job seekers because they widen employment opportunities for Saudi nationals while requiring private employers to update contracts and payroll on Qiwa ahead of the enforcement deadlines.

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