HRDF Salary Thresholds Set to Rise Through 2028

Saudi authorities have confirmed a phased increase in the minimum salary thresholds for nationals supported under the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) Employment Support Programme, with changes rolling out between 2026 and 2028. The programme is aimed at Saudi nationals working full-time in the private sector.

For 2026, the minimum eligible salary remains at SAR 4,000 The figure is calculated from the amount registered with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) and includes basic salary plus housing allowance. The maximum eligible salary under the programme is SAR 15,000

Under the programme, HRDF support can cover up to 50% of an employee's monthly wage, capped at SAR 3,000 subject to the programme's conditions.

How the thresholds will rise

The minimum salary threshold will increase to SAR 5,000 for new applications submitted on 25 April 2027, while existing applications will move to the SAR 5,000 threshold starting with the May 2027 payments. A further increase takes the threshold to SAR 6,000 for new applications on 25 April 2028, with existing applications shifting to SAR 6,000 from the May 2028 payments.

Applications are submitted electronically through the HRDF online portal by the eligible establishment employing the national. No application fee or programme validity period has been stated in the available official details.

The phased rise matters for both employers and Saudi job seekers, as it gradually lifts the pay levels linked to wage support. For employees, higher thresholds signal a push toward better entry salaries, while establishments relying on the programme will need to plan ahead for the 2027 and 2028 changes to remain eligible.

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