Saudi Arabia restricts foreign workers in 97 tourism and administrative job titles
Summary
Saudi Arabia has expanded Saudization rules to 97 tourism, administrative and support occupations, reserving some jobs entirely for citizens and setting quotas for others. The move could reduce recruitment opportunities for Nepali workers in hotels, travel, human resources and office administration.
Key Points
- Saudi Arabia has begun localising 28 tourism occupations and 69 administrative and support jobs, with some positions reserved entirely for Saudi nationals.
- Employers that fail to meet the required Saudi staffing ratios face legal action, and the policy will expand in phases through 2028.
- Nepali workers could be affected most in hotels, travel agencies, reception, public relations, human resources and office administration.
- Analysts say the rules may reduce new labour demand and affect visa and iqama renewals for foreign workers in affected companies.
