Riyadh: In a landmark policy shift, the Saudi Arabian Cabinet has approved new regulations allowing the children of legally employed foreign residents to enter the Kingdom’s job market, a move aimed at enhancing economic participation while safeguarding Saudi workforce priorities.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Cabinet has amended its earlier decision No. 585 dated 22 Sha’ban 1444 AH, officially empowering the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development to set detailed rules and eligibility criteria for foreign residents’ children who wish to work in Saudi Arabia.
The new policy comes with a key restriction: children of expatriates will not be eligible for roles reserved exclusively for Saudi citizens, ensuring that “Saudization” policies remain intact and continue to prioritize employment for nationals.
To regulate this new workforce entry, the government will apply a monthly work permit fee of SAR 400 per child, with flexible installment plans offered across 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. The fee structure mirrors existing charges levied on foreign employees in the Kingdom.
The pricing and fee collection will be coordinated with both the Ministry of Finance and the non-oil revenue enhancement authority, ensuring alignment with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030.
Once the full framework is approved, expatriate families will be able to legally employ their children across approved sectors of the economy. The Ministry of Human Resources is expected to publish an official list of eligible sectors, job types, age criteria, and work permit details soon.
This initiative is widely viewed as a positive step for foreign families residing in the Kingdom, many of whom have long sought opportunities for their older children to gain legal work experience while living in Saudi Arabia.
The reform also adds momentum to the Kingdom’s labor market flexibility while ensuring that Saudi citizens remain at the core of employment strategy.