New Policies Target Citizen Employment, Service Quality Enhancement

Saudi Arabia has introduced new policies to localize the tourism sector across the Kingdom.

The new measures received approval from Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

All tourism hospitality facilities are now required to have a Saudi receptionist present during working hours.

Stringent Registration, Documentation Requirements Established

Tourist facilities must register all employees with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development before they commence work.

Employee contracts — encompassing contractual, seconded, or seasonal arrangements — must be documented via the Ajeer platform or other approved platforms.

Establishments operating multiple licensed branches must register employees specifically against the facility file linked to each tourism license.

Outsourcing or assigning positions subject to Saudization policies to entities or workers outside the Kingdom is prohibited.

Such work must be outsourced to establishments licensed by the Ministry of Tourism or licensed to assign Saudis by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Strict Monitoring, Penalties Ensure Compliance

The ministry emphasized that compliance with these policies will face strict monitoring, and warned of penalties for violators.

The Ministry of Tourism stated the new regulations represent a significant step in its efforts enhancing employment opportunities for citizens while improving overall service quality.

The policies have been developed collaboratively with relevant government agencies. They aim to increase citizen contributions to the sector while providing stimulating jobs, including leadership roles and positions for graduates, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

Wage Subsidies Increased to Strengthen Local Workforce

The ministry announced earlier this year that it had raised wage subsidies for local workers in the tourism sector from 30 percent to 50 percent, in a strategic push expanding employment opportunities for Saudi nationals while reducing reliance on foreign labor.

It extended financial support to 43 tourism-related professions and was designed to enhance the appeal and sustainability of careers in the sector.

Original Article:

Riyadh, N. (2025). Saudi Arabia introduces new localisation policies for tourism sector. Arab News. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2618996/saudi-arabia