In an effort to increase employment opportunities for Saudi nationals and improve the quality of healthcare in the private sector, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Ministry of Health have announced plans to implement higher localization rates in four private sector health professions. Effective from April 17, 2025, the localization rate in radiology will be increased to 65 percent, medical laboratory to 70 percent, therapeutic nutrition to 80 percent, and physiotherapy to 80 percent. Initially, these changes will apply to hospitals and other health facilities in major cities such as Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Dammam, and Al-Khobar, as well as large health facilities in other regions.
During the second phase, which is set to begin on October 17, 2025, Saudization rates will be extended to cover all health facilities nationwide. This move is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to ensure that more Saudi nationals are able to secure employment opportunities in the private sector and to elevate the standard of healthcare services provided. By increasing the localization rates in these key health professions, the government aims to create a more balanced workforce that includes a higher percentage of Saudi citizens.
The decision to implement higher localization rates in radiology, medical laboratory, therapeutic nutrition, and physiotherapy professions is a strategic move to address the needs of the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia. By increasing Saudization rates in these areas, the government is not only creating more job opportunities for Saudi nationals, but also working towards raising the standards of healthcare services provided in the private sector. This decision will have a positive impact on the overall quality of healthcare available to residents in the country.
Furthermore, by prioritizing the localization of key health professions, Saudi Arabia is taking a proactive approach towards ensuring the sustainability of its healthcare sector. By increasing the number of Saudi nationals employed in these professions, the country is investing in the long-term development and growth of its healthcare industry. This move will also contribute towards reducing the reliance on expatriate workers in these critical healthcare roles.
The implementation of higher localization rates in radiology, medical laboratory, therapeutic nutrition, and physiotherapy professions is a significant step towards achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. By prioritizing the employment of Saudi nationals in these key health professions, the country is moving closer to its objective of diversifying its economy and reducing its reliance on oil revenue. This move also aligns with the government’s vision of creating a more sustainable and self-sufficient healthcare sector that is able to meet the needs of its growing population.
In conclusion, the decision to implement higher localization rates in key health professions in the private sector is a positive development for Saudi Arabia. By prioritizing the employment of Saudi nationals in these critical roles, the government is not only creating more job opportunities for its citizens, but also working towards improving the quality of healthcare services provided in the country. This move is in line with the country’s Vision 2030 goals and its commitment to building a more sustainable and diverse economy.
