HRDF: 329,000 Saudis Employed in H1 2026

Reported by سعودي ليفنج: The Human Resources Development Fund helped employ around 329,000 Saudis in the private sector during the first half of 2026, a jump of about 23 percent compared with the same period of 2025.

The Fund said it disbursed roughly SAR 4.9 billion in direct support to individuals and establishments in the first half of the year through training, empowerment, and career guidance programs. More than 1.69 million Saudis benefited from its services and programs during the same period.

Support is delivered through the Fund's official electronic platform, with employment support applications for establishments provided free of charge. The focus remains on full-time private sector jobs and workforce localization.

How employment support works

Under the Employment Support product, eligible employees must be Saudi nationals aged 18 to 60, registered on the platform, and not previously supported for a full 24 months. Support covers monthly wages between SAR 4,000 and SAR 15,000 (basic salary plus housing allowance as registered with GOSI), after a minimum 90 days in GOSI records with the establishment.

The base support rate is 30 percent of the employee's monthly salary for the first two years, with additional 10 percent increments for targeted categories such as establishment size, city size, occupation, sector, people with disabilities, and women. Total support is capped at SAR 3,000 or 50 percent of the monthly salary, whichever is lower. All private and non-profit establishments may benefit unless suspended.

For job seekers, the Fund's Job Search Support provides 15 months of financial assistance: SAR 2,000 monthly for the first four months, SAR 1,500 for the next four, and SAR 1,000 for the following four. Beneficiaries and employers can reach the Fund on 8001222030 or by email at info@hrdf.org.sa.

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