New rules put Nepali workers’ jobs at risk in Saudi Arabia
Summary
Saudi Arabia's Saudization policy is prioritizing citizens for employment, putting Nepali and other foreign workers, especially in senior and specialised roles, at risk of job loss.
Key Points
- Saudi Arabia enforces the Saudization policy requiring companies to prioritize Saudi nationals, affecting Nepali and other foreign workers' job security.
- The Ministry mandates 30-46% Saudi nationals in engineering roles, extending Saudization to administrative, healthcare, tourism, and retail sectors.
- Nepali workers, many in general and service labor, face reduced opportunities in specialized roles due to certification and employment restrictions.
- Upcoming Nepal-Saudi labor agreements are expected to focus on general worker categories amid the shifting Saudi labor market.
