Saudi Arabia Expands Job Localization in Consulting

Saudi Arabia has advanced its job-localization drive in the private sector, requiring consulting-services professions to reach 40% Saudi employment, a rule that has been in effect since 25 March 2024. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development said covered establishments must comply to avoid penalties, with a procedural guide available on the ministry's website.

The decision applies to consulting-related roles in the private sector and comes with support from the ministry, including recruitment assistance, training and qualification support, job-continuity support, and priority access to Saudisation support programs through the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf).

Wider 2026 localization changes

The push has expanded in 2026 across several fields. Marketing and sales professions were raised to 60% localization, effective 19 January 2026, with a minimum monthly wage of SAR 5,500 for the targeted roles.

In addition, 69 administrative support professions — including secretarial, translation, data entry, and related functions — were localized to 100% Saudi in the private sector, with enforcement beginning in April 2026. A procurement-related localization rule then took effect on 31 May 2026 at 70% for covered establishments with three or more workers in the affected professions.

The moves matter for both employers and job seekers across the Kingdom. For Saudi nationals, the decisions open more career opportunities in growing professional-services fields, backed by training and qualification support. For businesses, early compliance and the use of available support programs help avoid penalties and ease the transition. Establishments are advised to review the ministry's procedural guide to confirm the professions covered and the requirements that apply to them.

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