Saudisation Drive: Saudi Arabia Boosts Nursing Workforce To 44% Local Talent
The Saudisation of the nursing profession has reached around 44% of the workforce in the kingdom this year, up from 38% in 2016, thanks to a strategic plan by health authorities aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in Saudi nursing personnel.
The Saudi Ministry of Health has actively encouraged interest in nursing among Saudi nationals by offering a range of incentives. This approach has significantly boosted enrollment in nursing colleges.
The strategy focuses on building a qualified Saudi workforce that meets the demands of the healthcare sector while ensuring sustainable efficiency in service delivery.
Last month, a new plan to increase the number of Saudis working in four healthcare professions within the private sector came into effect. It is part of broader government efforts to create more employment opportunities for Saudi citizens.
The plan sets Saudisation targets for the following professions: Radiology : 65%
: 65% Therapeutic Nutrition : 80%
: 80% Physiotherapy : 80%
: 80% Medical Laboratories: 70%
The minimum monthly wage is set at SR7,000 for specialists and SR5,000 for technicians.
The first phase applies to all major medical institutions in key cities, including Riyadh, Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, Dammam, and Khobar, as well as major institutions in other regions.
The second phase, which will cover all remaining institutions across the kingdom, will take effect on October 17.
The initiative, jointly launched by the Ministries of Human Resources and Health, aims to enhance Saudi participation in the labour market and offer attractive job opportunities, aligning with the goals of the national job market strategy and the broader transformation of the health sector.
The Ministry of Health will oversee the plan's implementation.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has launched several localisation initiatives across sectors such as education, telecommunications, and real estate, under its national employment policy known as 'Saudisation.'
In 2023, the kingdom also announced a plan to localise the dental profession, setting an initial target of 35%.
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