Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has announced the nationalization of 41 jobs within the private tourism sector, a move expected to significantly impact expatriate workers currently employed in the industry. This decision is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enhance employment opportunities for its citizens and strengthen the domestic labor market.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, revealed that the Saudization initiative will be rolled out in three phases. The first phase is scheduled to begin on April 22, 2026, followed by the second phase on January 3, 2027, and the final phase on January 2, 2028.
The roles targeted for Saudization include hotel manager, hotel operations manager, travel agency manager, tourism development specialist, tourist guide, hotel receptionist, and many others across tourism establishments.
To ensure smooth implementation, the MHRSD has published a comprehensive guide outlining the new Saudization rules, targeted job roles, and penalties for non-compliance. This guide is available on the Ministry’s official website.
This move aligns with the Kingdom’s broader labor market strategy, which aims to support Saudi nationals by increasing their participation in various sectors, including tourism. While the initiative opens up new career paths for citizens, it also signals a potential shift for foreign workers, many of whom may be required to transition to other roles or sectors.
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