Immigration

Saudi Arabia | Next phase of Developed Nitaqat Programme

Summary

On 26 April 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) will implement the next phase of the Developed Nitaqat Programme, marking a significant update to Saudi Arabia’s workforce nationalisation framework. While the structure of Nitaqat remains unchanged, Saudisation thresholds will increase across most sectors, with stricter, real-time enforcement through the Qiwa platform. Employers may see a decline in their Nitaqat classification unless proactive steps are taken ahead of implementation.

The detail

Higher Saudisation thresholds

Required nationalisation percentages are increasing across most sectors,including Marketing, Sales, Procurement, and Engineering,as well as across all company sizes.

Greater focus on salary and role quality

MHRSD has further reinforced its focus on the quality and sustainability of Saudi employment, rather than headcount alone. Please note that:

• Saudi employees earning SAR 3,000–4,000 count as half a Saudi Unit 0.5
• Below SAR 3,000: not counted towards Saudisation targets
• Higher-paid roles contribute more significantly

Revised calculation model

A logarithmic formula replaces fixed workforce bands, creating a more gradual relationship between company size and Saudisation requirements.

Digital enforcement via Qiwa

Compliance oversight will be driven through Qiwa, with workforce data assessed in real time.

• All workforce data must be accurately registered, and consistently aligned across job titles, professions, salaries and employment status .
• Unregistered or misclassified employees will not count towards Saudisation, which may affect Nitaqat status immediately and without advance notice.

Upcoming sector-specific deadlines

In addition to the revised Nitaqat thresholds, employers should be aware of several sector‑specific Saudisation mandates that are either already in force or approaching key implementation dates. These requirements operate in parallel and will be assessed cumulatively.

Current Rate: 30% for Marketing / 15% for Sales.

New Rate: 60% Saudisation (unified target for professional roles).

Minimum salary: SAR 5,500.

Deadline: 19 April 2026.

 

• Marketing & SalesProcurement Roles

Current Rate: 50% Saudisation.

New Rate: 70% Saudisation across 12 key professions.

Scope: Applies to establishments with 3 or more procurement employees.

Deadline: 31 May 2026.

 

• Engineering Professions

Current Rate: 25% Saudisation.

New Rate: 30% Saudisation (for companies with ≥5 engineers).

Minimum salary: SAR 8,000.

Requirement: Professional accreditation by Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE).

Deadline: June 30, 2026.

These requirements operate alongside the broader Nitaqat changes.

What this means for employers

Taken together, the 26 April 2026 changes introduce immediate and tangible compliance risk for employers operating in Saudi Arabia. Organisations that fail to meet the revised requirements may experience a downward movement in Nitaqat classification, increased scrutiny of salary levels and job classifications, and real‑time enforcement outcomes through Qiwa.

A decline in Nitaqat status may, in turn, restrict access to visas, work permit renewals and employee mobility services, with potential implications for workforce planning and ongoing business operations.

How we can help

We support clients with:

• Nitaqat health checks and scenario modelling to assess your current classification and position under revised thresholds
• Qiwa compliance audits to ensure employee registrations, job classifications, and data accuracy are fully aligned
• Saudisation strategy and workforce planning, including hiring and localisation approaches
• Salary structure reviews to optimise Saudisation outcomes
• Sector-specific compliance support across engineering, procurement, and sales functions
• Immigration and labour compliance advisory linked to Nitaqat classification

We continue to monitor regulatory updates and will share further guidance as new information becomes available. For tailored advice, please contact our team.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Anir Chatterji
EMEA Immigration Partner

Ali Ibrahim
Director, KSA and Bahrain Lead

Adel Moumen
Senior Manager Middle East Immigration

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