Saudization And Reserved Iqama Professions
Saudization and Reserved Iqama Professions. Saudi Arabia has implemented a groundbreaking policy called “Saudization,” officially known as the Saudi nationalization scheme. This initiative is designed to prioritize employment opportunities for Saudi nationals by reserving specific professions exclusively for them.
The Saudization policy is a significant step towards reducing unemployment among Saudi citizens and ensuring their active participation in the country’s economic development. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the reserved Iqama professions and their implications for both expatriates and Saudi citizens.
Read Also: Iqama Transfer Online In Saudi Arabia For a Dependent
What Is an Iqama?
An Iqama is a residence permit issued to expatriates working in Saudi Arabia. It serves as a legal document that allows foreigners to live and work in the Kingdom. Under the Saudization policy, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has designated a list of professions that are exclusively reserved for Saudi nationals.
Significance of Reserved Iqama Professions
The introduction of reserved Iqama professions aims to:
- Create more job opportunities for Saudi nationals.
- Strengthen the local workforce and reduce reliance on expatriates.
- Boost the national economy by ensuring higher participation of Saudis in key sectors.
- Align with Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on economic diversification and human capital development.
Impact on Expatriates
Expatriates working in reserved Iqama professions face critical career decisions. Since these roles are now restricted to Saudi nationals, affected expatriates must either:
- Shift to a different, non-restricted profession.
- Seek employment in another country.
- Exit the Saudi labor market upon the expiration of their Iqama.
Employers must also comply with the Saudization regulations by replacing expatriates in these positions with Saudi nationals.
List of Reserved Iqama Professions In Saudi Arabia
The list of 100% Saudized professions covers various sectors, including customer service, clerical work, managerial roles, and specialized technical positions.
Administrative and Clerical Professions
| No. | Profession |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cashier |
| 2 | Complaint Clerk |
| 3 | Booking Clerk |
| 4 | Customs Clearance Clerk |
| 5 | Payroll Officer |
| 6 | Administrative Clerk |
| 7 | Secretary |
| 8 | Data Entry Clerk |
| 9 | General Services Supervisor |
| 10 | HR Manager |
Customer Service and Sales Roles
| No. | Profession |
| 11 | Receptionist (General, Hotel, Hospital) |
| 12 | Customer Service Manager |
| 13 | Sales and Marketing Representative |
| 14 | Call Center Clerk |
| 15 | Customer Data Clerk |
| 16 | Order Taker |
| 17 | Food Service Employee |
| 18 | Translator |
| 19 | Tourist Information Clerk |
| 20 | Sales Supervisor |
Engineering and Technical Professions
| No. | Profession |
| 21 | Certified Sustainable Engineer |
| 22 | Certified Resident Engineer |
| 23 | Quality Inspector Engineer |
| 24 | Building Inspector |
| 25 | Real Estate Arbitrator |
| 26 | Real Estate Broker |
| 27 | Property Manager |
| 28 | Safety and Security Supervisor |
| 29 | Maintenance Manager |
| 30 | Aviation Professions (Co-Pilot, Air Controller, Dispatcher, Meteorologist) |
Saudization In Retail and Commercial Establishments
The Saudi government has extended Saudization to various retail and commercial sectors. The following businesses are now required to hire only Saudi employees:
- Shops selling watches, eyeglasses, and medical equipment
- Electrical appliances and electronic stores
- Building materials and construction shops
- Ready-made garments, children’s and men’s wear outlets
- Home and office furniture stores
- Automobile and motorbike showrooms
Compliance and Penalties For Employers
Employers must strictly adhere to Saudization policies to avoid penalties. Non-compliance can result in:
- Hefty fines and legal consequences.
- Business restrictions and operational difficulties.
- Loss of commercial licenses in severe cases.
Companies are encouraged to hire and train Saudi professionals to ensure smooth business operations while complying with nationalization laws.
Iqama Overview
The Iqama is a residency permit that allows foreign nationals to live and work in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian government’s Ministry of Interior issues it. Different types of Iqama are available for different purposes, including those for business, domestic workers, laborers, professionals, and government employees
Saudization and Reserved Iqama Professions. Iqama professions can be checked online. Saudi Arabians can also transfer their professions through the Qiwa platform.
FAQs About Saudization and Reserved Iqama Professions
Conclusion
The Reserved Iqama Professions policy is a crucial part of Saudi Arabia’s long-term economic vision. By enforcing Saudization, the government aims to provide more job opportunities to its citizens, enhance local workforce participation, and reduce dependency on foreign labor. Expatriates affected by these changes must explore alternative job opportunities, while businesses must ensure compliance with the new regulations to continue operating smoothly in the Kingdom.
