HRDF to raise minimum salary eligible for employment support to SR6,000 by 2028

RIYADH — The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) announced that it will raise the minimum monthly salary eligible for its Employment Support Program from SR4,000 to SR5,000 starting April 25, 2027, and to SR6,000 starting April 25, 2028.The increase will be implemented in two phases, in line with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s decision to raise the minimum salary required for Saudi employees to be counted under the Nitaqat Saudization program.Under the first phase, the minimum eligible salary for new employment support applications will increase from SR4,000 to SR5,000 on April 25, 2027. The revised threshold will apply to existing support applications beginning with payments for May 2027.The second phase will take effect on April 25, 2028, when the minimum eligible salary for new applications will increase from SR5,000 to SR6,000. Existing applications will be subject to the revised threshold beginning with payments for May 2028.HRDF confirmed that it will continue subsidizing up to 50% of eligible Saudi employees’ monthly salaries, with a maximum contribution of SR3,000 per month, subject to the program’s approved terms and conditions.The fund said the changes are intended to strengthen the competitiveness of Saudi workers, improve job quality and sustainability, and encourage private sector establishments to recruit Saudi talent.The Employment Support Program helps private sector employers hire Saudi men and women by covering part of their salaries, supporting job creation and employment stability.HRDF said the adjustments reflect its continued efforts to enhance the participation of Saudi nationals in the labor market and support the Kingdom’s economic development objectives.