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RIYADH: The participation of local Saudi talent in the workforce will receive a boost as the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched a new nationalization initiative.

Effective December 24, a decree was detailed, which describes the nationalization of various professions, including sales, acquisitions and project management, ending the previously specified grace period, as reported in a press release.

This move is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to increase the participation of Saudi nationals in the labor market and enhance their contribution to the economic ecosystem.

The ministry said it would require a 15 percent nationalization of sales professionals, wholesale managers and sellers of information and communication technology equipment.

Meanwhile, the benchmark for locating procurement professionals is 50 percent.

This position includes procurement managers and specialists, contracts and tender experts.

The decree also outlines the localization of project management professionals in the first phase by 35 percent. It includes specialists in project management, business services and communication project managers.

The department affirmed that it provides incentives and support to activate the private sector and help it employ Saudi nationals.

It includes assisting in the attraction and identification of suitable employees, supporting training and qualification initiatives, and facilitating the recruitment process and career progression.

In addition, it will allow companies to take advantage of all the nationalization support programs available in the ministry’s system and the programs provided through the Human Resources Development Fund.

The ministry published a guide explaining the details of the decisions to locate the professions and the implementation mechanism. Emphasis was placed on the need for establishments to adhere to the provisions to avoid statutory penalties that will be applied against violators.

In July, the department announced that it will launch a service to track the localization of labor and maintenance contracts in public entities under the labor localization and maintenance initiative.

The effort aims to raise nationalization rates in public entities and increase the efficiency and skills of Saudis.

The initial phase began for large establishments on December 1. The second stage is scheduled to begin in June. 1, 2024, focusing on medium-sized organizations. The third stage includes all other establishments that will take effect from December 1, 2024.