Compliance with the Nitaqat program requirements issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is a fundamental step for ensuring business continuity and avoiding operational violations. This guide summarizes all recognized salary thresholds and conditions for counting employees toward the Saudization quota.
Part One: Core Eligibility Conditions
For an employee to be counted toward the Saudization ratio, the following conditions must be met:
- Active registration with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI).
- A valid employment contract documented through the Qiwa platform.
- A GOSI-subject salary of no less than SAR 4,000.
- The employee must be at least 18 years of age and must not be a student or part-time worker, except in specifically exempted cases.
- Compliance with the minimum wage requirements set for localized occupations.
Part Two: Counting Weights for Different Employee Categories
| Category | Target Employee Groups | Conditions & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Count (1 point) | Saudi and GCC nationals; displaced tribal workers; remote workers; full-time business owners not registered with GOSI; GCC athletes; children of Saudi mothers; children/widows of Saudi nationals | — |
| Four Points (4 points) | Persons with disabilities | Max 10% of total workforce. Establishments with fewer than 50 employees are counted immediately. Establishments with 50 or more employees must obtain a Compatibility Certificate. |
| Half a Point (0.5 points) | Students (max 10%); part-time workers (max 10%); students and part-time workers in the food & restaurant sector (max 40%); employees earning between SAR 3,000 and less than SAR 4,000 | Salary percentage must be verified to ensure proper counting. |
| Two Points (2 points) | Individuals with prior convictions | Max 10% of total workforce. |
Part Three: Minimum Wage for Localized Occupations
The Ministry of Human Resources has established minimum salary thresholds for certain specialized roles to ensure full compliance:
- Marketing positions: SAR 5,500
- Accountant (Diploma): SAR 4,500
- Accountant (Bachelor’s Degree): SAR 6,000
At HR Plan, we ensure your full compliance with all applicable regulations and are ready to support you with every step and tool you need.
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