In a significant move affecting employment in Saudi Arabia, the Qiwa platform has barred expatriates from holding the title of General Manager, designating it exclusively for Saudi nationals. This change is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to boost employment opportunities for local citizens.

Job Reallocation Options

For businesses currently employing expatriates in these roles, the Qiwa platform has recommended alternative titles like CEO or chairman of the board. These changes can be implemented as long as the employee is listed with the same professional title in the commercial registration, and no duplicate titles exist within the organization.

Further Restrictions Imposed

Besides General Managers, the Qiwa platform has discontinued the option for expatriates to change professions such as sales representative, marketing specialist, and purchase manager. Organizations encountering the message, "Sorry, the employee’s current profession cannot be changed," will not be able to alter the role in any way.

Increasing Local Employment

The ministry has intensified measures to elevate the rate of Saudization across various sectors, including marketing and sales, aiming to create more dynamic and rewarding careers for Saudis. This strategy is a part of a broader initiative to ensure substantial job growth for local men and women.

Future Implementation Timeline

Come January 19, 2026, the localization rate for marketing roles will rise to 60 percent in businesses with at least three marketing employees. A similar target has been set for the sales domain, ensuring positions such as sales manager and retail sales representative increasingly employ Saudi nationals.

Both decisions will be operational three months post-announcement, offering businesses time to adjust and comply with these new employment standards.

Source:saudigazette