Saudi Arabia Increases Saudization to 70% for Project Management Professions from February 2027

RIYADH, August 24, 2026 — Saudi Arabia has announced a significant increase in Saudization requirements for project management professions, effective February 14, 2027, raising the mandatory local workforce quota from 50% to 70%.

The announcement, published by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) on August 24, 2026, is part of a broader push to replace foreign workers with Saudi nationals across key economic sectors.

Published: August 24, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team

Saudi Arabia raises Saudization requirement for project management from 50% to 70% effective February 14, 2027.

Saudization Requirements for Project Management

Aspect	Current Requirement	New Requirement
Saudization Rate	50%	70%
Effective Date	—	February 14, 2027
Professions Covered	Project Management	Project Management

The new 70% target aims to increase the number of Saudi nationals employed in project management roles across the Kingdom's private sector.

Other Activities and Professions Affected

The ministry has also announced Saudization requirements for several other activities and professions, though specific details for each sector vary. Employers should review the official circulars for full requirements.

Recent Saudization Developments

June 2026: Enforcement for 16 Activities Paused

On June 25, 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the suspension of enforcement of Saudization decisions for 16 specific activities until further notice. This decision follows thorough analysis and multiple consultations with the private sector, delaying the previously announced April 2026 implementation.

2025: Automotive Sector Restrictions

In 2025, the ministry began implementing mandatory Saudization of automotive repair shops, preventing non-Saudis from opening new workshops in the sector.

2026: Project Management Expansion

July 2026: Saudization in project management was expanded to cover all sectors. The first phase targeted project management jobs in the private sector, with the Ministry announcing the decision in July 2023 and the implementation beginning in January 2024. The decision was extended to all sectors in 2026.

What Employers Should Do

Companies employing project managers in Saudi Arabia should:

1. Review their workforce to assess current Saudization levels

2. Develop recruitment plans to meet the 70% target by February 2027

3. Consider training programs for Saudi nationals in project management

4. Monitor ministry announcements for any further changes or clarifications

5. Plan for workforce adjustments to ensure compliance

Read Also

• Saudi Arabia Explains Rules for Multiple-Entry Umrah Visas: New Nusuk Booking & Permit Needed for Each Visit

• Saudi Arabia Enforces 70% Saudization in Procurement Sector: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2026 Localization Push

• Qiwa to Automatically Remove Workers from Establishment Records Starting July 1 if Work Permits Expired for Over 3 Months – Saudi Employers Urged to Act Before Deadline

Quick Reference Summary

Aspect	Details
Profession	Project Management
Current Saudization Rate	50%
New Saudization Rate	70%
Effective Date	February 14, 2027
Announcement Date	August 24, 2026
Authority	Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development

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