Abdullah Abuthnain, Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor Affairs
Abdullah Abuthnain, Vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) for Labor, said five occupational categories in the private sector will be covered by the increase in the minimum wage threshold for Saudi nationals counted toward Saudization rates. 
In an interview with Al Arabiya TV, Abuthnain said the five categories include full-time employees, part-time employees, flexible-work employees, students working part-time, and persons with disabilities who are able to work.
He said the regulatory rules governing each category will be announced at a later date. The decision aims to improve job quality, enhance employment stability, raise workers’ incomes, and increase Saudi nationals’ participation in the labor market, he added.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has ordered support measures for citizens following a proposal by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, which came as Saudi Energy Co. and National Water Co. (NWC) announced electricity and water tariff changes taking effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
The directives include raising the monthly salary threshold for Saudi private-sector employees to count fully toward Saudization quotas under the Nitaqat program. The threshold will rise to SAR 5,000 six months after the changes take effect, then to SAR 6,000 a further 12 months later.
Abdullah Abuthnain, Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor Affairs
Abdullah Abuthnain, Vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) for Labor, said five occupational categories in the private sector will be covered by the increase in the minimum wage threshold for Saudi nationals counted toward Saudization rates.
In an interview with Al Arabiya TV, Abuthnain said the five categories include full-time employees, part-time employees, flexible-work employees, students working part-time, and persons with disabilities who are able to work.
He said the regulatory rules governing each category will be announced at a later date. The decision aims to improve job quality, enhance employment stability, raise workers’ incomes, and increase Saudi nationals’ participation in the labor market, he added.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has ordered support measures for citizens following a proposal by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, which came as Saudi Energy Co. and National Water Co. (NWC) announced electricity and water tariff changes taking effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
The directives include raising the monthly salary threshold for Saudi private-sector employees to count fully toward Saudization quotas under the Nitaqat program. The threshold will rise to SAR 5,000 six months after the changes take effect, then to SAR 6,000 a further 12 months later.
