The Nitaqat Program (برنامج نطاقات) is Saudi Arabia’s national employment localization framework administered by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). It evaluates commercial establishments based on the proportion of Saudi nationals employed, categorizing businesses into color-coded performance tiers that govern their access to government services, work visas, and operational licenses.
| Parameter | Regulatory Standard |
|---|---|
| Governing Authority | Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) |
| Operational Platform | Qiwa Portal (منصة قوى) |
| Classification Anchor | Saudi SSIC Economic Activity Code & Establishment Size |
| Evaluation Frequency | Dynamic weekly rolling average |
| Target Entities | All private sector companies operating in Saudi Arabia |
| Current Framework Edition | Developed Nitaqat (نطاقات المطور) 2026 |
Under the Developed Nitaqat system, private enterprises are classified into five primary zones based on their Saudization percentage relative to industry peers:
Saudization requirements vary significantly depending on your registered Saudi SSIC activity code and establishment headcount:
| Industry Sector (SSIC) | Small Headcount (6–49) | Medium Headcount (50–499) | Large Headcount (500+) | Key Restricted Roles (100% Saudization) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology & Software (SSIC 62) | 20% – 25% | 25% – 32% | 30% – 40% | IT Support, Security Specialist |
| Wholesale & Retail Trade (SSIC 46-47) | 25% – 35% | 35% – 50% | 50% – 70% | Sales Manager, Cashier, Showroom Staff |
| Construction & Contracting (SSIC 41-43) | 10% – 15% | 15% – 20% | 20% – 28% | Safety Officer, HR Officer |
| Consulting & Professional Services (SSIC 69-70) | 30% – 40% | 40% – 50% | 50% – 60% | Legal Counsel, HR Manager, Accountant |
| Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals (SSIC 86) | 30% – 45% | 45% – 60% | 60% – 75% | Pharmacist, Medical Receptionist |
| Hospitality & Tourism (SSIC 55-56) | 20% – 30% | 30% – 40% | 40% – 55% | Hotel Front Desk, Reservations Agent |
The Saudization index is computed dynamically through Qiwa:
$$\text{Saudization %} = \left( \frac{\text{Weighted Saudi Employees}}{\text{Total Registered Workforce}} \right) \times 100$$
Your SSIC (Saudi Standard Industrial Classification) code determines the primary industry activity on your Commercial Registration (CR). MHRSD assigns Saudization percentage tables directly to these economic activity groups.
In the Red Zone, you cannot issue new work visas, renew existing expat work permits, or open new branch registrations. Furthermore, your foreign employees can transfer to other employers via Qiwa without your approval.
To count as one full Saudi employee (1.0), the worker must be registered in GOSI with a contributory wage of at least SAR 4,000 per month.
Nitaqat performance is calculated automatically on a weekly rolling average in the Qiwa portal, reflecting GOSI wage registrations and MHRSD contracts.
Governing Body: Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD)
Official Labor Portal: Qiwa Portal (qiwa.sa)
This reference document is an independent compliance summary. Always verify current sector percentages on the official Qiwa portal before making hiring, licensing, or corporate filing decisions in Saudi Arabia.