RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has rolled out stringent new policies to curb outsourcing of jobs designated for Saudi nationals, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to boosting local employment and empowering national talent within the tourism sector.
Under the newly introduced regulations, outsourcing of roles subject to Saudization decisions is strictly prohibited to entities or workers outside Saudi Arabia. The Ministry mandates that only establishments licensed by the Ministry of Tourism or authorized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to employ Saudis are eligible to outsource these positions.
Aimed at fostering employment opportunities for Saudi citizens and elevating service standards, the updated policies require all tourism establishments licensed across the Kingdom to adhere to rigorous job localization and employee registration procedures. Every worker must be registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development prior to commencing work, ensuring transparency and accountability in labor practices.
Furthermore, contracts for subcontracted, seasonal, or seconded workers must be formally documented via the Ajir platform or other ministry-approved systems, reinforcing regulation compliance. For businesses operating multiple branches, each location must register employees under its own license, preventing circumvention of localization policies.
In a notable measure to promote Saudi presence in customer-facing roles, the ministry has mandated that every licensed hospitality facility maintain a Saudi receptionist on duty during all working hours. This ensures direct interaction between Saudi nationals and guests, bolstering cultural representation within the sector.
The Ministry of Tourism has emphasized strict enforcement of these regulations in coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, warning that violations will be closely monitored and penalized where necessary. These moves align with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 goals, targeting increased national workforce participation and sustainable growth in the tourism industry.