Saudi Arabia Raises Saudisation to 60% for Marketing and Sales Jobs

Saudi Arabia has announced stricter Saudisation requirements for private-sector marketing and sales roles, raising the minimum employment quota for Saudi nationals to 60 per cent as part of ongoing labour-market reforms.

The decision, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, will come into effect on Monday, January 19, 2026, and applies to private-sector establishments employing three or more workers.

Under the first directive, the Saudisation rate for marketing-related professions will increase to 60 per cent. The ministry confirmed that implementation will begin three months after the official announcement, giving businesses time to adjust their workforce structures.

The marketing category includes a broad range of roles such as marketing and advertising managers, marketing specialists, designers, public relations professionals, and photographers.

In a separate but parallel move, the ministry also raised the Saudisation requirement for sales professions to 60 per cent. This measure applies under the same conditions private-sector firms with at least three employees and will also take effect after a three-month transition period.

Sales roles covered by the decision include sales managers, retail and wholesale sales representatives, IT and communications equipment sales specialists, and commercial sales professionals.

The ministry said the updated Saudisation policies are designed to enhance labour-market stability, improve workforce participation among Saudi nationals, and create high-quality, sustainable employment opportunities aligned with national development goals.

Officials added that the measures are part of broader efforts to make the private sector more attractive to Saudi talent while supporting long-term economic diversification.