Saudization 2026: 60% of Marketing and Sales Jobs for Saudis, and Nitaqat Targets 340,000 Jobs
Saudi Arabia now requires 60% Saudization in 18 marketing and sales jobs, has fully reserved 69 admin jobs, and launched a Nitaqat phase to localize over 340,000 more private sector jobs.
Saudi ArabiaIn brief
- Since 19 April 2026, firms with 3 or more workers in 18 marketing and sales professions must fill 60% of those jobs with Saudis.
- A Saudi in a marketing role must earn at least SAR 5,500 a month to count toward the quota.
- 69 secretarial, translation, data entry and admin support professions are now 100% reserved for Saudis, with the last 50 taking effect on 4 October 2026.
- A new three-year phase of the Nitaqat programme, announced on 22 January 2026, aims to localize more than 340,000 additional private sector jobs.
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| Organization | Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) |
| Official source | Saudi Press Agency – official news agency ✓ spa.gov.sa |
Saudi Arabia has made several big Saudization moves in 2026 that change which private sector jobs expats can get. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has set a 60% quota in marketing and sales, completed the 100% localization of 69 admin jobs, and launched a new Nitaqat phase to localize more than 340,000 jobs.
The three changes at a glance
| Rule | Saudi share | Applies to | In force since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing and sales (18 professions) | 60% | Firms with 3+ workers in these jobs | 19 April 2026 |
| Administrative support (69 professions) | 100% | Firms with 1+ worker in these jobs | 5 April 2026 (19 jobs), 4 October 2026 (50 jobs) |
| New Nitaqat phase | Varies by sector and size | Private sector | 2026, for three years |
60% in marketing and sales
HRSD announced the quota on 19 January 2026 and gave employers three months to comply. It started on 19 April 2026.
| Marketing (10) | Sales (8) |
|---|---|
| Marketing manager | Sales manager |
| Advertising agent | Retail sales representative |
| Advertising manager | Wholesale sales representative |
| Graphic designer | Sales representative |
| Advertising designer | ICT sales specialist |
| Public relations specialist | Sales specialist |
| Advertising specialist | Commercial specialist |
| Marketing specialist | Commodity broker |
| Public relations manager | |
| Photographer |
A Saudi employee in a marketing job counts toward the quota only if paid at least SAR 5,500 a month.
69 admin jobs now fully Saudized
The 100% rule covers secretarial, writing, translation, data entry and admin support roles. Nineteen professions were localized on 5 April 2026, and the remaining 50 followed after a six-month grace period, on 4 October 2026. Read our earlier report on the 69 administrative professions.
Nitaqat: more than 340,000 jobs
On 22 January 2026, HRSD launched a new phase of the Developed Nitaqat programme. It runs for three years and aims to localize more than 340,000 additional private sector jobs, with targets by sector and company size. HRSD says the first phase, launched in 2021, helped employ more than 550,000 Saudis. Some reports say the target is "by 2029", but HRSD has not given an end year.
What it means for job seekers
- Office, admin and translation jobs are closed. Expats should not apply for secretarial, data entry or translation roles in Saudi Arabia.
- Marketing and sales jobs are shrinking. Up to 40% can still go to expats, so senior or specialist candidates have a better chance.
- Technical and skilled trades remain open. Engineering, healthcare, construction and energy roles are still hiring expats.
Official sources
- SPA: 60% Saudization of marketing and sales jobs announced (19 January 2026)
- SPA: marketing and sales quota takes effect (19 April 2026)
- SPA: 69 administrative support professions localized
- HRSD: new phase of the Developed Nitaqat programme (Arabic)
See also how many expats work in the private sector and what they earn in our Saudi salaries report for Q2 2026, and how to use Jadarat to apply for Saudi jobs.
Frequently asked questions
Which jobs in Saudi Arabia are now closed to expats?
69 administrative support professions, including secretarial, translation and data entry roles, are 100% Saudized. In 18 marketing and sales professions, 60% of jobs must go to Saudis, so expats can still fill up to 40%.
Can expats still work in sales in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, but with fewer openings. Firms with 3 or more workers in the 18 covered marketing and sales jobs must have at least 60% Saudis in those roles.
What is the new Nitaqat phase?
It is a new three-year phase of the Developed Nitaqat programme that started in 2026. HRSD says it aims to localize more than 340,000 additional private sector jobs, with targets set by sector and company size.
Does the Nitaqat phase end in 2029?
HRSD has said the phase runs for three years starting in 2026 but has not published a specific end year.
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