Saudi Tourism Ministry tightens job localization rules to boost Saudi employment

Saudi Ministry of Tourism mandates local job registration, bans outsourcing, and requires Saudi receptionists onsite/Representative Image

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has implemented new regulations aimed at reinforcing job localization within the Kingdom’s tourism industry. These rules prohibit outsourcing jobs designated for Saudis to foreign entities or workers and introduce strict registration and compliance measures to enhance local employment, ensure quality service, and empower national talent.

The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia has issued comprehensive new policies that prohibit outsourcing jobs subject to localization requirements to organizations or individuals outside the Kingdom. The directive mandates that any outsourcing must be confined to establishments licensed by the Ministry of Tourism or those authorized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to employ Saudi nationals. These policies are applicable to all licensed tourism establishments across Saudi Arabia, underscoring the government’s focus on creating more opportunities for Saudi citizens within the sector.The Ministry emphasized that these changes are designed to strengthen the presence of Saudi talent in the tourism workforce, boost employment opportunities for nationals, and raise the overall quality of service in the hospitality and tourism industries.

To ensure full compliance with the localization rules, tourism establishments are now required to register all employees with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development before the workers commence their duties. This measure applies to all categories of employees, including subcontracted, seasonal, or seconded workers. The contracts for these workers must be processed through the Ajir platform or other systems officially approved by the Ministry of Human Resources.In cases where tourism companies operate multiple branches or facilities, the regulations specify that each employee must be registered under the license of the particular branch or establishment where they are employed. This requirement ensures precise tracking of workforce localization and compliance across the entire operation.

A notable element of the new regulations is the compulsory presence of a Saudi receptionist during working hours in all licensed hospitality facilities. This rule is a direct move to increase the visibility and integration of Saudi nationals in frontline customer service roles within the tourism sector.The Ministry of Tourism, together with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, will closely monitor all licensed tourism establishments to ensure adherence to these regulations. Businesses found violating the policies will face penalties as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enforce Saudization and support national workforce development.

By introducing these updated regulations, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism aims to create a more sustainable and locally empowered tourism sector. The focus on preventing outsourcing to foreign entities for jobs earmarked for Saudis reflects the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goals of increasing national employment and developing local talent.The Ministry has called on all tourism businesses and organizations operating within Saudi Arabia to fully comply with these rules and cooperate with monitoring authorities. Through these measures, the Kingdom expects to see stronger participation of Saudi nationals in the growing tourism and hospitality industries, ultimately contributing to economic diversification and improved service standards nationwide.