Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Raises Saudization Rates for Project Managers in 2027

• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will increase the Saudization rate for project management professions in the private sector to 70% beginning February 14, 2027, requiring affected employers to meet higher national workforce localization targets. 

 Saudization Rates for Project Managers 

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), in partnership with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, announced that the Saudization rate for project management professions in the private sector will increase to 70%, effective February 14, 2027. 

Who Is Affected? 

The new requirements will apply to private-sector establishments that employ three or more workers in the targeted project management professions. The Saudization rate will be calculated at the establishment level. 

Covered Occupations 

The decision applies to the following professions under the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations: 

• Project Management Manager 
• Project Management Engineer 
• Project Management Specialist 

The measure applies to all establishments that fall within the scope of the procedural guidelines issued by MHRSD. 

The ministry published the procedural guide for the decision on its website. It includes details of the professions covered, implementation mechanisms, calculation of Saudization rates, and compliance requirements. This enables employers and establishments to review the decision’s requirements and comply with its provisions. 

Why Does It Matter? 

The increase is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to expand employment opportunities for Saudi nationals in specialized professions, strengthen the participation of national talent in the labor market and advance broader workforce localization objectives. 

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