RIYADH: Saudi Arabia tightens Saudization which will be a setback for expatriates. The decision to implement Saudization in the fields of pharmacy, dentistry, and engineering came into effect in Saudi Arabia from yesterday. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development informed this. The new move is aimed at increasing the labor participation of Saudi citizens in these three sectors.

Expatriates, including Malayalees, are worried about losing their jobs in the health sector if such Saudization is implemented. There are many expatriates in Saudi Arabia depending on the pharmacy and dentistry sectors. In the healthcare sector, community pharmacies and medical complexes must now meet a 35% Saudization rate for pharmacy roles, rising to 65% in hospitals and 555 across other pharmacy related activities. This policy applies to establishments employing five or more pharmacists.

A 45 percent Saudization rate is required for dentist jobs in health centers with at least three dental professionals. The minimum monthly salary for them has been set at 9,000 Saudi riyals. In technical engineering, companies with five or more employees must ensure that at least 30 percent of these positions are filled by Saudi nationals. These positions must be paid a minimum salary of 5,000 riyals. The Ministry of Human Resources has issued procedures for implementing Saudization.