Nitaqat Al-Mutawar Program Creates Over 550,000 Jobs for Saudis in Major Employment Push

Riyadh – Saudi Arabia’s Nitaqat Al-Mutawar Program has successfully employed more than 550,000 Saudi nationals during its first phase, significantly exceeding its original target and marking a major milestone in national workforce localization.. The achievement reflects sustained efforts to strengthen private sector participation in job creation while reducing unemployment among citizens..

Launched three years ago, the program was designed to gradually localize jobs across private sector industries through a structured and transparent framework.. Its initial goal was to create 340,000 jobs for Saudis, a benchmark that was surpassed well ahead of schedule due to strong compliance and participation from businesses..

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development said the results of the first phase have contributed directly to lowering unemployment rates and increasing Saudi participation in private companies.. Officials highlighted that the program also improved job stability and encouraged employers to invest in local talent..

Following the success of the first phase, the ministry has officially launched the second phase of the initiative.. This next stage will run for three years and aims to localize more than 340,000 additional jobs, further strengthening the role of Saudi professionals in the private sector..

The phased structure of the program has been widely praised for giving companies sufficient time to adapt to localization requirements.. By offering clear Saudization targets over a defined period, businesses are able to plan recruitment, training, and workforce development more effectively..

Experts believe the strong outcomes demonstrate the government’s long-term commitment to building a sustainable labor market aligned with Vision 2030 goals.. The initiative focuses not only on job numbers but also on improving workforce quality and organizational stability..

Employment growth under the program has been driven by cooperation between regulators and private sector employers.. Incentives, regulatory clarity, and gradual implementation have helped reduce resistance while encouraging long-term compliance..

The ministry has emphasized that localization is being implemented in a balanced way, ensuring business continuity while prioritizing national talent.. This approach has helped maintain investor confidence and avoid sudden disruptions in key industries..

According to officials, the Nitaqat Al-Mutawar Program has also supported skills development by encouraging companies to train Saudi employees for specialized and managerial roles.. This has contributed to career progression opportunities and higher retention rates..

Government data shows that the private sector now employs millions of Saudi nationals, reflecting a steady shift away from reliance on expatriate labor.. The program has played a central role in accelerating this transition over the past three years..

Policy experts note that localization initiatives are increasingly focused on long-term employability rather than short-term quotas.. Programs like Nitaqat Al-Mutawar are seen as tools for reshaping workforce culture and improving productivity..

The second phase is expected to expand localization into additional sectors while refining compliance mechanisms.. Authorities aim to ensure that job creation remains aligned with economic growth and private sector needs..

Officials have also stressed the importance of monitoring and evaluation to maintain program effectiveness.. Continuous assessment will help identify gaps, improve implementation, and ensure fair outcomes for both employers and employees..

As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy, workforce localization remains a key pillar of national development strategy.. Employment programs are increasingly linked to broader goals such as competitiveness, innovation, and social stability..

The success of the Nitaqat Al-Mutawar Program highlights the impact of structured policy design combined with strong public-private cooperation.. With the second phase now underway, expectations are high that employment gains will continue to accelerate in the coming years..