Kamal Ghorui
After the success of its first phase, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched the second phase of the Nitaqat Al-Mutawar programme, aiming to create more than 340,000 private sector jobs for citizens over the next three years.
The Nitaqat programme is a national labour market policy that encourages private sector companies to hire Saudi nationals by setting sector-specific localisation targets. It is designed to increase Saudi participation in private employment, reduce unemployment, and align workforce supply with market demand.Through a classification system and targeted Saudization rates, the programme seeks to balance business growth with national employment priorities. Since its launch, Nitaqat has been positioned as a long-term tool to support economic stability while strengthening the role of Saudi talent in the private sector.
Overview of the second phase
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the second phase of Nitaqat Al-Mutawar will run for three years from 2026 and aims to localise more than 340,000 jobs for Saudi men and women in the private sector.The ministry said the new phase was developed following a comprehensive analysis of labour market conditions and the capabilities of establishments across various sectors. The focus is on creating quality job opportunities, increasing citizen participation, and achieving a sustainable balance between labour supply and demand.Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi said the programme was carefully designed to support localisation without hindering private sector growth. He noted that the initiative is intended to strengthen the national economy while reinforcing long-term confidence among private sector employers.
Results from the first phase
The ministry highlighted the strong performance of the programme’s first phase, launched in 2022. Over the past three years, it has contributed to the employment of more than 550,000 Saudi citizens in the private sector.This figure exceeded the original target of 340,000 jobs, with officials saying the programme played a significant role in stimulating localisation efforts, reducing unemployment rates, and expanding Saudi workforce participation across industries.Al-Rajhi said the experience of previous phases had confirmed the ability of Saudi citizens to succeed and perform efficiently in a wide range of professions, providing a solid foundation for launching the next phase.
Implementation framework and requirements
Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for the Labour Sector Abdullah Abuthnain said the ministry conducted extensive analytical studies covering all sectors and establishments before finalising the new phase.These studies resulted in realistic and targeted Saudisation rates that reflect the nature of different roles and prevailing market conditions, taking into account the availability of qualified Saudi nationals. Abuthnain said this approach is expected to enhance job stability, raise productivity, and deliver genuine sustainability in the labour market.The ministry added that the second phase will continue to support citizen participation, improve job quality, and reinforce private sector competitiveness, as Saudi Arabia advances its broader labour and economic reform agenda.
