Saudi Arabia may limit Saudization to 70% for several retail jobs

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Labor and Social Development is considering to reduce Saudization rate at 12 retail job types to 70 percent from 100 percent, according to the ministry guidelines.

Certain professions are excluded from the Saudization requirement, mainly opticians, car mechanics, watch and maintenance technicians, tailors, cooks, and confectioners, subject to compliance with the general conditions set by the ministry.

One expatriate is allowed to manage a retail shop, which employs ten Saudi citizens for six months from the decision application date, the ministry added.

Meanwhile, entities with five nationals employed are allowed to have one cleaning and loading worker only. Expatriates working in the head office of an entity can fulfill their duties at retail shops before or after the official working hours.

Last January, the ministry issued a directive limiting 12 jobs at various shops to Saudi nationals, starting from the new Hijri year, Argaam reported.

In the first stage, jobs at car and motorbike shops, men’s and children’s wear, home and office furniture, and home utensils will be nationalized as of September 11, 2018.

Saudization at shops selling electronic and electric appliances, watches and eyeglasses will come into effect on Nov. 9, 2018.