Saudi Arabia has made a significant decision by introducing a reservation system for its citizens in private sector engineering jobs. The Kingdom has implemented a 25% reservation quota for Saudi citizens in private engineering positions, effective from Sunday. The aim of this measure is to increase employment opportunities for Saudi nationals.

Under this plan by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, it is anticipated that the number of Saudi citizens in the engineering sector will rise.

According to the reports, the ministry has introduced a 25% localization quota for engineering jobs in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Housing. The Press Agency stated, “This policy will provide better job opportunities for Saudi men and women.”

This new policy will affect every private sector company that employs five or more engineers. Saudi authorities have also warned that companies failing to comply with the regulations will face legal action.

Under the ambitious ‘Vision 2030’ project, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince is driving radical changes across various sectors in the Kingdom. As part of this initiative, there is a strong emphasis on “Saudization,” which prioritizes employment for Saudi citizens in various fields.

The goal of Vision 2030 is to reduce unemployment in Saudi Arabia to 7%. To achieve this, the Kingdom aims to diversify its sources of income and reduce its dependence on crude oil.

The new measures in Saudi Arabia will also impact Indians, as a significant number of Indian professionals migrate to Saudi Arabia each year in search of work. This includes skilled and semi-skilled workers, such as engineers.

In 2022, Saudi Arabia reported a fivefold increase in the number of Indians coming to the Kingdom for employment. That year, 178,630 Indians moved to Saudi Arabia for job opportunities. With the new reservation system for Saudi citizens in private engineering jobs, there will be fewer opportunities for Indians in this sector.