The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced that its decision to raise the Saudization rate in procurement professions in the private sector to 70% came into force on Sunday, 31 May 2026, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The decision applies to establishments employing 3 or more workers in the targeted professions, as defined by the job titles and descriptions approved in the Saudi Unified Classification of Occupations.

It covers 12 professions: procurement manager, procurement representative, contracts manager, storekeeper, logistics services manager, warehouse manager, tenders specialist, procurement specialist, e-commerce specialist, market research specialist, warehousing specialist, and private-label sourcing specialist.

The ministry said its inspection teams have begun monitoring implementation at the targeted establishments to verify that they meet the required rates, stressing that statutory penalties will be applied to establishments that fail to comply after the grace period ended.

The ministry described the decision as part of its continuing efforts to raise Saudization rates in line with the Labour Market Strategy, increase job opportunities for national talent in line with the number of job seekers in related fields, and meet the future needs of the procurement sector. Companies and employees working in these roles in the private sector are directly affected by the change.