Latest news with #HADAF
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia raises Saudization goals again, targets now as high as 80% in some sectors
Private firms with five-plus employees in pharmacy and engineering roles, and three in dentistry, must meet new Saudization rates/Representative Image TL;DR: From July 27, 2025, Saudization rates rise across pharmacy (35–65%), dentistry (starts at 45%), and technical engineering (30%) sectors in Saudi Arabia. Updated quotas apply to private-sector establishments with specified company sizes and minimum salary thresholds (SAR 7,000–9,000). The reform is backed by incentives and procedural guidance issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development ( MHRSD ) to meet Vision 2030 goals. As part of its Vision 2030 employment initiative, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has raised Saudization targets in healthcare and technical engineering sectors. The updated quotas took effect on July 27, 2025, covering professions such as pharmacy, dentistry, technical engineering, and accounting impacting 269 roles across entities nationwide. Sectoral breakdown of new Saudization rates 1. Pharmacy 35% for community pharmacies and medical centres 65% for hospital pharmacy operations 55% for other pharmacy-related roles Mandates apply to establishments with five or more pharmacy staff, requiring a minimum monthly salary of SAR 7,000 per Saudi employee as per Saudi Gazette. 2. Dentistry 45% Saudization from July 27, rising to 55% in mid-2026 Applies to facilities with three or more dentists, with an entry threshold salary of SAR 9,000 per month for quota counting. 3. Technical Engineering 30% Saudization required in establishments with five or more technical engineers, effective July 27, 2025 Minimum salary requirement: SAR 5,000 per month. Healthcare professions (Earlier phase) As of April 17, 2025, Saudization rates for four health professions were enforced: Radiology: 65% Medical lab: 70% Therapeutic nutrition: 80% Physiotherapy: 80% These apply initially in major cities, expanding nationwide by October 17. Minimum wages: SAR 7,000 for specialists, SAR 5,000 for technicians. Implementation mechanisms & support MHRSD has released procedural guides and compliance instructions on its official website to clarify employer obligations, quota calculations, and penalties. Independent supervisory agencies oversee sector compliance: Ministry of Health for pharmacy & dentistry Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing for engineering roles. Eligible companies can utilize Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) programs for recruitment, training, and retention of Saudi talent. Why this matters Accelerates Saudi employment : Focuses localization on strategic, skilled roles that historically relied on foreign workers. Supports Vision 2030 goals : Saudization policies are key to reducing unemployment, increasing national workforce participation and diversifying the economy. Incentivises compliance : Penalties for non-adherence are balanced by support programs to ease transition. Saudi Arabia's updated Saudization targets signify a decisive step toward greater national workforce engagement in high-value sectors. With quotas now enforced in pharmacy, dentistry, engineering, and healthcare, employers must restructure recruitment practices quickly and strategically. Backed by Vision 2030 and supported by HRSD through practical guidance and financial incentives, these measures are poised to reshape private-sector employment while maintaining regulatory compliance and market competitiveness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Taylor Swift Goes Natural, Here's How She Really Looks The Noodle Box Undo FAQ 1. When do these changes take effect? Pharmacy, dentistry, and engineering quotas begin July 27, 2025, with dental quotas rising further in 2026. Healthcare professions launched earlier on April 17, 2025,expanding nationwide by October. 2. Which sectors are impacted? 269 roles across pharmacy, dentistry, medical laboratories, physiotherapy, therapeutic nutrition, accounting, and technical engineering. 3. What penalties exist for non-compliance? Firms can face Fines and non-renewal of licenses, enforced by HRSD and partner ministries. 4. Are there salary thresholds for inclusion? Yes, roles must meet minimum monthly salary levels (SAR 7,000–9,000) to count toward Saudization quotas. 5. How does this tie into national strategy? Saudization is central to Vision 2030, aimed at reducing unemployment (now at ~7.1%, below original 8% target) and expanding Saudi private-sector participation.
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
HADAF signs deal to support Saudis in hospitality and culinary arts fields
RIYADH — The Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF), under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, has signed an employment-linked training support agreement with Boutique Hospitality Group, a Public Investment Fund (PIF), with the aim of empowering and qualifying Saudis in specialized hospitality and culinary arts fields. The agreement was signed by HADAF Director General Turki Al-Jawini and Executive Director of People and Culture at Boutique Hospitality Group Dania Al-Obaid. The agreement is an extension of the existing strategic cooperation between PIF and the Ministry of Tourism. The PIF has previously launched several training programs in cooperation with prestigious educational institutions, such as the Higher Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, with the aim of enabling the private sector to benefit from the Fund's programs and capabilities. This will contribute to raising the efficiency of Saudis and enhancing the sector's competitiveness in the required specializations in the hospitality and culinary arts fields, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to develop human capital and localize quality jobs. The agreement affirms the commitment to implementing the programs by contributing to supporting training costs outside the Kingdom and providing rewards to trainees in accordance with approved mechanisms. It also includes forming a working group comprised of both parties to monitor the implementation of its provisions and hold periodic meetings based on developments and business needs. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Saudi Gazette
07-07-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
HADAF signs deal to support Saudis in hospitality and culinary arts fields
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF), under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, has signed an employment-linked training support agreement with Boutique Hospitality Group, a subsidiary of Public Investment Fund (PIF), with the aim of empowering and qualifying Saudis in specialized hospitality and culinary arts fields. The agreement was signed by HADAF Director General Turki Al-Jawini and Executive Director of People and Culture at Boutique Hospitality Group Dania Al-Obaid. The agreement is an extension of the existing strategic cooperation between PIF and the Ministry of Tourism. The PIF has previously launched several training programs in cooperation with prestigious educational institutions, such as the Higher Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, with the aim of enabling the private sector to benefit from the Fund's programs and capabilities. This will contribute to raising the efficiency of Saudis and enhancing the sector's competitiveness in the required specializations in the hospitality and culinary arts fields, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to develop human capital and localize quality jobs. The agreement affirms the commitment to implementing the programs by contributing to supporting training costs outside the Kingdom and providing rewards to trainees in accordance with approved mechanisms. It also includes forming a working group comprised of both parties to monitor the implementation of its provisions and hold periodic meetings based on developments and business needs.
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
HR Ministry: Saudization instrumental in employing 2.5mln citizens in private sector
RIYADH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development stated that Saudization programs and support provided to the private sector have resulted in generating jobs for a record number of Saudis in this sector, reaching 2.48 million Saudi men and women. The ministry said that the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) supported this growth by employing 143,000 Saudi citizens during the first quarter of 2025, while the money spent on training, empowerment, and guidance programs amounted to approximately SR1.83 billion. The ministry indicated that the unemployment rate among Saudis dropped to its lowest level, since the beginning of statistical monitoring, reaching 6.3 percent, and this reflects the cumulative impact of national programs and initiatives aimed at developing the labor market and empowering national cadres. The ministry noted that this progress is a continuation of the development path the Kingdom is witnessing in various fields. It previously exceeded the 7 percent target of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, six years early, and is confidently moving towards the new 5 percent target, in light of the directives and updates recently announced. The ministry noted the record levels of Saudi women's participation in the labor market, with their unemployment rate falling to 10.5 percent—a historic low—compared to 11.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing an annual decrease of 3.7 percentage points compared to the same period last year. This confirms the impact of programs and initiatives that include women's economic empowerment, providing a stimulating and safe work environment, and enhancing their ability to effectively contribute to national growth. The ministry added that these results embody the impact of the National Labor Market Strategy, adopted by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, which aims to develop policies and regulations, empower the national workforce, and strengthen partnerships with the private sector and relevant entities. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Leaders
25-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Boosts Tourism Wage Support to Empower National Workforce
The Ministry of Tourism has announced a significant increase in wage support for Saudi workers in the tourism sector. This increase raises the financial contribution provided through the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) from 30% to 50%. This updated support applies to 43 job roles and licensed tourism activities, enhancing the ministry's efforts to localize the sector. Empowering National Talent Through 'Ahlaha' This initiative is part of the 'Ahlaha' program, which aims to equip and employ Saudi nationals in tourism-related professions. By enhancing job stability and workforce sustainability, the program makes tourism careers more attractive for citizens. The ministry emphasized that this move aligns with its ongoing collaboration with relevant government entities to increase Saudization levels across the tourism industry. The goal is to position tourism as a key sector for employment and sustainable economic growth in Saudi Arabia. The enhanced wage subsidy program, administered by HADAF, supports private-sector employers by covering a portion of Saudi employees' wages. This initiative improves job security and incentivizes hiring, ultimately benefiting the entire tourism sector. Advancing Workforce Readiness with Training Programs Additionally, the ministry is advancing national workforce readiness through diverse and modern training programs under 'Ahlaha.' These programs are offered both locally and internationally to upskill Saudi talent and align with global tourism standards. The HRDF wage support program plays a critical role in promoting long-term employment for Saudi citizens by sharing salary costs with employers. Ultimately, this initiative strengthens the domestic labor market and supports the growth of the tourism sector. By investing in Saudi talent, the Ministry of Tourism aims to create a vibrant and sustainable workforce that drives economic development. Short link : Post Views: 1 Related Stories
