Saudi Arabia announced on Monday the decision to localise 41 professions in the tourism sector in private sector establishments.
The country’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, will implement the decision in three phases, with the first phase beginning in April 2026.
The move is part of the government’s efforts to provide more stimulating job opportunities for male and female citizens across the Kingdom.
The new Saudisation drive will cover 41 leadership and specialised professions, most notably manager roles in hotel operations, hotel control and travel agency services.
Planning and development manager, tourism development specialist, tourist guide specialist, tourist organiser, hotel specialist, site guide, purchasing specialist, sales specialist, and hotel receptionist are the other roles which will come under the new initiative.
While the initial phase of implementation of the Saudisation decision will begin on April 22, 2026, the second phase is slated for commencing on January 3, 2027, and the third and final phase on January 2, 2028, according to Saudi Gazette.
The decision will be applicable to all private sector tourism establishments. The MHRSD has also issued a procedural guide that contains details about the decision, including professions that are going to be Saudised and percentages of Saudisation.
The ministry guideline also provides information for employers and establishments about the mechanism for calculating Saudisation and the prescribed penalties for violators.
The move is in line with MHRSD’s efforts to raise the percentage of Saudisation in professions in order to achieve the objectives of the labour market strategy of supporting national competencies and increasing their employment opportunities in various sectors.
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