Saudi Arabia Launches New Localization Policies to Boost Tourism Employment

Saudi Arabia has introduced new regulations to localize the tourism sector, reinforcing its commitment to creating more job opportunities for citizens and supporting the goals of Vision 2030. The new measures, approved by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, apply to all tourism and hospitality establishments across the Kingdom.
Under the updated policies, all tourism facilities must have at least one Saudi receptionist on duty during working hours. Employers are also required to register their staff with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development before they begin work, and all employment contracts — including contractual, seconded, and seasonal — must be documented via the Ajeer platform or other approved systems.
The rules prohibit outsourcing or assigning jobs covered under Saudization policies to non-Saudi entities or workers outside the Kingdom. Only establishments licensed by the Ministry of Tourism or authorized to employ Saudis may handle such roles. Strict monitoring and penalties are planned for non-compliance.
The Ministry of Tourism emphasized that the new policies aim to boost the participation of Saudi nationals in the tourism workforce, offering leadership positions and career opportunities for graduates. Earlier this year, the ministry increased wage subsidies for local workers from 30% to 50% and extended financial support to 43 tourism-related professions to attract more Saudis to the sector.