The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has updated the Saudization decision for administrative support professions in the private sector, effective 5 April 2026. The update mandates 100 percent Saudization for 69 additional professions as defined in the Unified Saudi Occupational Classification, applying to private sector establishments with at least one worker in the affected roles.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
This development broadens the scope of Saudization requirements for private sector employers in Saudi Arabia, affecting companies that employ workers in newly covered administrative support roles such as secretarial work, translation, data entry, and other related positions.
The update also highlights the relevance of reviewing HRSD's procedural guide and considering available support programs and incentives.
Key Highlights
- The update applies to all private sector establishments employing at least one worker in the covered professions.
- New roles include secretarial work, translation, data entry, and a range of administrative support positions as specified in the Unified Saudi Occupational Classification.
- The updated procedural guide provides detailed information on the list of professions and compliance mechanisms.
- HRSD requires compliance by all establishments, with non‑compliance subject to regulatory penalties.
- Private sector employers may access support programs and incentives to facilitate compliance with the Saudization requirements.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the changes, the organizations and entities might consider the following:
- Organizations could review their current staffing in the affected professions and develop transition plans to support compliance.
- HR and global mobility teams could communicate forthcoming changes to affected employees and consider reskilling, redeployment, or relocation options where appropriate.
- Employers could consult the updated HRSD procedural guide and explore available incentives or support programs to support the transition process.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the directive, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified tax or social security professional or a member of the GMS/People Services team with KPMG in the Lower Gulf (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Saudi Press Agency, “HRSD updates Saudization decision to include 69 administrative support professions,” published on 6 April 2026.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the United Arab Emirates.
GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.
© 2026 KPMG Lower Gulf Limited, KPMG LLP and KPMG LLC, licensed in the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman, and member firms of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.