The resolution to execute total Saudization in closed commercial complexes (malls) has become law in all regions of the Kingdom.
This follows the declaration of the ministerial decision to allocate 100 percent of jobs to Saudis in malls and mall management offices, except for a small number of activities and professions.
Cleaning, loading and unloading, recreational facility maintenance, and barbershops are among the occupations that are exempt from Saudization.
It was the first of three decisions announced by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Mr. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, in April of this year, to create 51,000 jobs for Saudis in the labor market.
Other prohibited activities and professions are in areas such as restaurants and cafes where the rate of Saudization rate is 50 percent and 40 percent, respectively. Hypermarkets and supermarkets are also among the exempted activities.
Even so, the percentage of employees should not surpass 20 percent of the mall’s total employment. Workers should wear uniforms that are all the same.
The minister’s second resolution is to boost the Saudization rate in restaurant and cafe sales outlets in compliance with their categories and required percentages stipulated in the procedural guide produced in this respect.
The third decision entails enhancing Saudization rates in significant central supply market outlets under their categories, professions, and the required Saudization percentages and stages provided in the procedure manual.
The ministry revealed all necessary data about the proposal’s implementation in all phases in the guide, including the grace period, the period for applying the decision, the Saudization operations, and the proportion of exemptions.
Furthermore, the government emphasized the need to adhere to the decisions made to avoid sanctions for those who do not. The procedural guide published on the ministry’s website provides more information to employers in this regard.
