69 Jobs in Saudi Arabia Reserved for Citizens, Excluding Kenyans and Other Expats

Saudi Arabia will reserve 69 administrative support positions for Saudi citizens, requiring private-sector employers to replace foreign workers in these roles by 4 October 2026.

The directive, issued on 5 April 2026 under Circular No. 278 and signed by Human Resources and Social Development Minister Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, covers positions including human resources managers, recruitment specialists, administrative assistants, secretaries, data entry clerks, translators, receptionists, warehouse clerks, call centre agents, and public relations officers. 

While some roles are subject to immediate implementation, most will follow a six-month transition period. Companies are expected to recruit Saudi nationals and phase out expatriates in the affected posts during this time.

This expansion follows previous localisation measures targeting engineering, procurement, marketing, sales, and dental professions, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to reduce reliance on foreign labour and increase employment opportunities for Saudi citizens. 

For foreign workers, including many Kenyans employed in administrative roles, the policy marks a substantial change, with the potential for job loss or reassignment as businesses adjust. The government has introduced stricter penalties to enforce compliance. 

Employers hiring foreign workers without valid permits face fines of SR10,000 per worker, while failing to electronically record contracts carries a penalty of SR1,000 per employee. Repeat breaches of recruitment regulations can result in fines up to SR250,000. Additional sanctions include SR3,000 per worker for withholding passports or residency permits.

These measures aim to improve conditions for legally employed foreign workers by ensuring contracts are properly documented and preventing abusive practices. At the same time, they limit expatriate opportunities in sectors traditionally reliant on migrant labour.