Desk Report:
From now on, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has made it mandatory to employ at least 60 percent Saudi nationals in 18 special professions related to marketing and sales. Gulf News reports.
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It is feared that thousands of expatriate workers working in the country’s private sector, especially marketing professionals from South Asia, may face major challenges as a result of this decision.
Marketing and creative professions
According to the ministry’s first decision, private companies that employ three or more employees must ensure 60 percent localization or ‘Saudization’ in their marketing and advertising-related positions.
The main professions included in the list are – Marketing and Advertising Manager (Advertising Manager). Advertising Representative, Marketing Specialist (Marketing Specialist) and Public Relations Officer. Graphic and Advertising Designer and Professional Photographer.
Companies have been given a three-month deadline to implement this rule. In addition, the minimum monthly salary for Saudi citizens working in these positions has been set at 5,500 Saudi riyals. This salary structure is expected to play a major role in attracting locals to this profession.
Record of sending Bangladeshi workers to Saudi Arabia Record of sending Bangladeshi workers to Saudi Arabia
Sales and commercial sector
The second decision of the ministry mainly emphasizes sales or sales-related professions. Here too, a target of 60 percent localization has been set for the private sector.
The main professions included in the list are sales manager (sales manager), retail and wholesale sales representative, IT and telecommunications equipment sales specialist, commercial specialist or commercial specialist.
Like the marketing sector, this rule will also be strictly enforced after the end of the three-month grace period or special deadline. If the specified target is not met, the relevant institutions will have to face various administrative penalties including fines.
The main goal of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ‘Vision 2030’ is to diversify the country’s economy by reducing its dependence on mineral oil and creating sufficient employment for the young generation.
The Ministry of Human Resources said that the new system will make the labor market more competitive and attractive for locals.
However, there is a risk that a large part of the expatriate workers will be unemployed as a result of this strict Saudization policy. In particular, many skilled marketing workers and sales representatives from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan who have long been leading the Saudi private sector will face a reduction in their employment. Many companies are now forced to hire local Saudi citizens instead of expatriate workers.