Saudi Arabia has announced a major development in its labor market with the launch of a new program called “Nitaqat Al-Mut”, aimed at creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in the private sector.
The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to strengthen Saudization and expand employment opportunities.
What Is the Nitaqat Al-Mut Program?
According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Ministry of Human Resources has introduced Nitaqat Al-Mut to further improve Saudization in the private sector.
The program focuses on:
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Increasing job creation
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Strengthening private-sector participation
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Aligning workforce needs with market demand
Over 340,000 Jobs Targeted
Under the new initiative:
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More than 340,000 jobs will be created
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Employment opportunities will be offered in phases
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The program will run for three years
The initiative officially began in 2026 and aims to gradually integrate Saudi nationals into private-sector roles.
Minister’s Statement on the New Phase
Saudi Minister of Human Resources Ahmed Al-Rajhi said that:
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The new phase was launched after careful evaluation of previous experiences
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Local market demand was fully considered
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The goal is to ensure sustainable and effective employment growth
Part of Saudi Vision 2030
The Nitaqat program is a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030 and was originally launched in 2021.
Since its inception:
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Over 550,000 Saudi citizens have already secured jobs
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The program has played a major role in reducing unemployment
Why This Matters for Overseas Workers
While the program focuses on Saudi nationals, experts say such initiatives:
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Reshape the private-sector workforce
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Influence hiring trends for expatriate workers
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Signal long-term changes in job requirements and skills demand
Pakistani workers planning to work in Saudi Arabia should stay informed about evolving labor policies.
