Saudi Arabia increases Saudisation requirements in marketing and sales roles

At a glance

• Saudi Arabia has announced new decisions increasing Saudisation to 60% in both marketing and sales roles across the private sector.
• The updated quotas will apply to companies with three or more employees in the relevant profession, with implementation beginning three months after the announcement.
• Marketing and sales roles covered span a wide range of positions, including managerial, technical, and specialist functions, with a minimum salary requirement for marketing roles.
• Employers will receive government support through recruitment, training, and job‑stability programmes, with guidance published to assist compliance.
• The overall aim is to expand national workforce participation and improve job quality and market stability in key commercial sectors.

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has issued two new decisions that significantly increase Saudisation requirements in the private sector. From 19 January 2026, both marketing and sales professions will be subject to a 60% localisation rate, reflecting the government’s continued efforts to expand national participation in the labour market.

Marketing roles

For organisations employing three or more individuals in marketing functions, at least 60% of those roles must be filled by Saudi nationals. A minimum monthly salary of SAR5,500 will apply for Saudis occupying these positions. The decision covers a broad range of jobs, including marketing managers, advertising and PR specialists, graphic designers, photographers, and other related professions. Companies will have three months from the date of the announcement to prepare for and implement the changes.

Sales roles

The same 60% Saudisation rate will apply to private‑sector employers with three or more sales employees. Covered roles include sales managers, wholesale and retail sales representatives, IT and communications sales staff, commercial specialists, and commodity brokers. As with the marketing changes, organisations will benefit from a three‑month transition period before enforcement begins.

Government support measures

To assist companies in meeting these new thresholds, the Ministry has confirmed that employers will have access to recruitment and training support, job‑stability initiatives, and priority access to programmes offered by the Human Resources Development Fund. The Ministry has also issued procedural guidance setting out the compliance obligations for affected businesses.

Objective of the reforms

These measures form part of Saudi Arabia’s broader labour‑market strategy to expand opportunities for Saudi nationals, enhance job standards, and promote long‑term stability in sectors that play a central role in commercial and consumer activity.

Action points

Employers should review the number of Saudi and non-Saudis in sales and marketing roles to ensure that the business will be able to comply with the increase in the Saudisation quotas after the grace period ends.