In recent years, Saudi Arabia hasimplemented significant labor reforms aimed at increasing job opportunities forits citizens. One of the most notable initiatives is the Saudization policy,which reserves specific professions exclusively for Saudi nationals. Thisarticle will explore the Iqama profession list reserved for Saudinationals, the implications of this policy, and how it affects expatriatesworking in the Kingdom.

Understanding Saudization

Saudization, officially known as theSaudi nationalization scheme, is a strategic initiative by the Saudi governmentto boost the employment of Saudi citizens in various sectors. The primary goalsof this policy include:

• Reducing unemployment rates among Saudi nationals.
• Enhancing the role of Saudis in the workforce.
• Promoting economic diversification by decreasing reliance on foreign labor.

By prioritizing Saudi nationals forcertain professions, the government aims to create a more sustainable andself-reliant economy.

The Significance of Reserved Iqama Professions for Citizens

The Iqama, or residencepermit, is essential for expatriates working in Saudi Arabia. With theintroduction of the Saudization policy, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resourcesand Social Development (MHRSD) has published a list of professions that are nowreserved exclusively for Saudi citizens. This move signifies a critical shiftin the labor market, emphasizing the importance of local employment.

Key Implications for Expatriates

For expatriates currently employed inthese reserved professions, the changes mean that they can no longer renewtheir Iqama if their job falls under the reserved categories. They must eithertransition to a different role that is not restricted to Saudis or leave theircurrent employment. This shift has created uncertainty for many foreign workersand has prompted discussions about the future of expatriate labor in theKingdom.

List of 50+ Reserved Iqama Professions for Saudis

The list of reserved professions isextensive and spans various sectors. Here are some notable examples:

1. Accountant
2. Actuary
3. Air Traffic Controller
4. Auditors
5. Bank Teller
6. Booking Clerk
7. Budget Analyst
8. Cashier
9. Claims Adjuster
10. Copilot
11. Credit Analyst
12. Dispatcher
13. Director of Labor Affairs
14. Director of Personnel Relations
15. Director of Security and Safety
16. Employment Clerk
17. Executive HR Manager
18. Financial Analyst
19. Financial Manager
20. Flight Attendant
21. Front Office Supervisor
22. General Services Supervisor
23. Health and Safety Manager
24. Health and Safety Officer
25. Health and Safety Professional
26. HR Manager
27. HR Specialist
28. Labor Affairs Manager
29. Loan Officer
30. Marketing Specialist
31. Medical Equipment Sales Specialist
32. Meteorologist
33. Payroll Coordinator
34. Payroll Officer
35. Property Manager
36. Public Relations Officer
37. Quality Inspector
38. Recruitment Officer
39. Receptionist (General and Hospital)
40. Real Estate Agent
41. Real Estate Broker
    
42. Reservation Agent
    
43. Risk Manager
    
44. Safety Officer
    
45. Sales Manager
    
46. Sales Positions (e.g., ladies' shops)
    
47. Sales Specialist for Ladies' Shops
    
48. Security Guard
    
49. Shop Manager (Various sectors including electronics, furniture, and medical appliances)
    
50. Tackling Agent
    
51. Ticketing Agent
    
52. Timekeeper
    
53. Translator
    
54. Tourist Information Clerk
    
55. Tourist Program Designer
    
56. Typist
    

This list is not exhaustive, but ithighlights the diverse range of roles now reserved for Saudi nationals.

Check out Complete Guide on Iqama Expiry Penalties.

Conclusion

The 2024 Saudization policy marksa pivotal moment in the transformation of the Saudi labor market. By reservingspecific professions for Saudi citizens, the government aims to enhance localemployment opportunities and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. Asthis policy continues to evolve, its impacts on both Saudi nationals andexpatriates will be closely monitored.

FAQs

What are the new Saudization rules in2024?

The new rules prioritize Saudi nationals in the labor market by reservingspecific professions exclusively for them.

What professions are 100 percentSaudization?

Some professions that are fully reserved for Saudis include Assistant Pilot,Air Traffic Controller, and Flight Attendant.

How does this affect expatriates?

Expatriates in reserved professions can no longer renew their Iqama and must eitherchange jobs or exit their current employment.

By understanding these changes, bothSaudi nationals and expatriates can better navigate the evolving landscape ofthe Saudi job market.