The Nitaqat program was launched in June 2011 by the Ministry of Labor (now the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development) as a tool to encourage companies to hire Saudis. After 15 years of development, it has become the strongest Saudization program in the region, contributing to the employment of more than 2.3 million Saudis in the private sector. But what does it mean for you as an employee?

What Is Nitaqat in Brief?

A system that classifies companies based on the percentage of Saudis in their workforce compared to the sector average. Each company is placed in one of 4 tiers:

Platinum Tier

Highest Saudization rate (above the average). Exceptional benefits: instant visa issuance, automatic residency renewals, priority in government tenders.

Green Tier

Good Saudization rate (within the average). Most major Saudi companies are here.

Yellow Tier

Below average. Restrictions on issuing new visas, banned from transferring expatriate sponsorships except under specific conditions.

Red Tier

Very low. Severe restrictions, including prevented renewals and visas.

Why This Matters to You as a Job Seeker

1. Platinum and Green Companies Hire Saudis Continuously

They're your first targets. Check a company's tier before applying via the Qiwa platform (qiwa.sa).

2. Yellow and Red Companies Are Under Heavy Pressure

This is your golden chance. They must hire Saudis to exit their tier, and may pay above-average salaries to attract them quickly.

3. Government Support Initiatives

Hadaf programs subsidize Saudi salaries at some companies up to 50% for the first year, making it easier to be hired.

Sectoral Saudization — Profession Localization

Alongside Nitaqat, the Ministry of Human Resources has issued dozens of profession localization decisions for specific sectors:

  • Telecommunications: 100% localization in sales and marketing.
  • Retail: 20–70% localization depending on specialty.
  • Accounting: progressive localization percentages.
  • Engineering: localization decree issued in 2023 for several specialties.
  • Tourism and hospitality: 30% localization of technical jobs.
  • Healthcare: progressive localization of pharmacy and nursing.
To know currently localized specialties, check the localization decisions page on the Ministry of Human Resources website.

How to Use Nitaqat to Your Advantage

Step 1: Search for Yellow and Red Companies

These are your biggest opportunities. Companies here are willing to overcome many requirements to hire a qualified Saudi.

Step 2: Target Platinum Companies for Stability

If you're looking for long-term job security, Platinum companies are more stable and provide professional work environments.

Step 3: Benefit From Hadaf Support

  • Employment Support Program: up to SAR 3,000 monthly for 24 months.
  • Tamheer: training leading to employment with a monthly stipend.
  • Doroob: free qualification.

Step 4: Register at Taqat

taqat.sa is the official portal for Saudi job seekers. Curated jobs supported by Hadaf.

The New Nitaqat Indicators (Developed Nitaqat)

In 2021, Developed Nitaqat was launched with more precise classifications considering:

  • Average salaries paid to Saudis (to prevent fictitious Saudization)
  • Retention of employment rather than point-in-time counts only
  • Administrative and leadership specialties rather than just numbers

This update made companies compete to hire Saudis in leadership roles, creating a golden opportunity for experienced Saudi professionals.

Mudad and Qiwa — The Complementary Systems

  • Qiwa platform: digitally manage, document, and transfer employment contracts between companies.
  • Mudad platform: wage protection, ensuring on-time payment for Saudi and expatriate salaries.
  • Wage Protection System: requires companies to pay salaries via banks and document them.

If your salary is delayed, you can file a complaint directly via Mudad, and your company may drop to a lower tier if delays are repeated.

Your Rights as a Saudi Employee Under Nitaqat

1. You cannot be arbitrarily dismissed because that would drop your company to a lower tier.

2. Your salary registered in GOSI must be real — no fictitious Saudization.

3. You have the right to promotion and training as part of the company's Saudi retention plan.

4. The "Ta'aruf" platform to file labor complaints electronically.

Conclusion

Nitaqat isn't a punishment for companies — it's an opportunity for you. Understand the system, use it to your advantage, and choose your workplace wisely. If you're undecided about a company or role, book a career advisory session to review your options.