Saudi Arabia has introduced a 100% localisation requirement across 69 administrative and support occupations in the private sector, effectively preventing foreign workers, including Nigerians, from taking up positions reserved exclusively for Saudi nationals.
The new regulation, which took effect on October 4, 2026, requires private-sector employers to employ Saudi citizens in all 69 listed occupations as part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to increase local employment and reduce reliance on expatriate labour.
According to a report published by MSN on Wednesday, November 4, the measure is being enforced by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, which has deployed inspection teams across different regions to monitor compliance.
The policy forms part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing Saudisation programme, a central component of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, which seeks to increase the participation of Saudi citizens in the private sector.
Under the new requirements, employers must achieve a 100 per cent localisation rate in the affected occupations, meaning that foreign nationals can no longer occupy positions covered by the regulation.
Administrative and Support Jobs Affected
The 69 occupations cover several administrative, human resources, recruitment, public relations, security, translation, reception and office-support functions.
Among the affected positions are human resources managers, recruitment specialists, workforce planning managers, administrative assistants, receptionists, government relations clerks, secretaries, translators, data entry operators, warehouse keepers and security guards.
Other affected roles include personnel managers, labour affairs managers, compensation specialists, career guidance specialists, protocol managers, talent managers and administrative investigation managers.
The policy also covers public relations consultants, customs agents, shipping clerks, conference and event organisation specialists, internal communication specialists and occupational classification specialists.
Full list of 69 Jobs Reserved For Saudi Nationals
The 69 occupations covered by the new regulation include:
* Human Resources Development Manager
* Workforce Planning Manager
* Human Resources Operations Manager
* Recruitment Manager
* Recruitment Specialist
* Human Resources Operations Specialist
* Workforce Planning Specialist
* Recruitment Office Manager
* Government Relations Clerk
* Administrative Assistant
* Receptionist
* Customs Agent
* Shipping Agent
* Shipping Clerk
* Inventory Movement Clerk
* Public Relations Manager
* Public Relations Expert
* Public Relations Consultant
* Public Relations Specialist
* Recruitment Office Specialist
* Personal Guard
* Security Guard
* Security Camera Monitor
* Registry Clerk
* Record Clerk
* Information Clerk
* Typist
* Proofreader
* Translator
* Linguistic Specialist
* Simultaneous Interpreter
* Sign Language Interpreter
* Interpreter
* Customs Clearance Agent
* Secretary
* Executive Secretary
* Stenographer
* Data Entry Operator
* Hotel Receptionist
* Patient Receptionist
* Complaints Clerk
* Warehouse Keeper
* Copyist
* Human Resources Clerk
* Treasurer/Cashier
* Personnel Manager
* Labour Affairs Manager
* Protocol Specialist
* Conference and Event Organisation Specialist
* Public Awareness Specialist
* Internal Communication Specialist
* Human Resources Expert
* Human Resources Consultant
* Human Resources Monitoring Specialist
* Member of the Labour Body
* Labour Investigator
* Career Guidance Specialist
* Compensation Specialist
* Occupational Classification Specialist
* Job Liaison Specialist
* Protocol Manager
* Fundraising Manager
* Cyber Security Human Resources Manager
* Administrative Investigation Manager
* Administrative Organisation Manager
* Institutional Development Manager
* Civil Service Office Manager
* Labour Office Manager
* Talent Manager
`
