Saudi Arabia bans outsourcing of local tourism jobs to boost national employment

The ministry said the changes aim to increase employment opportunities for Saudi nationals

Last updated: October 02, 2025 | 09:05

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New regulations require tourism establishments to prioritise Saudi workers, register employees, maintain on-site national staff.

Bloomberg

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has announced new regulations prohibiting the outsourcing of jobs designated for localisation to entities or workers outside the Kingdom.

Under the updated rules, outsourcing is limited only to establishments licensed by the Ministry of Tourism or authorised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to employ Saudi citizens. The policies apply to all licensed tourism establishments across the Kingdom.

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The ministry said the changes aim to increase employment opportunities for Saudi nationals, strengthen local talent in the tourism sector, and improve service quality.

Tourism establishments are now required to register all employees with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development before they begin work. Contracts for subcontracted, seasonal, or seconded staff must be processed through the Ajeer platform or other approved systems. Companies operating multiple branches must register employees under the license of each specific branch.

The regulations also mandate that all licensed hospitality facilities have a Saudi receptionist present during working hours. The ministry emphasized that compliance will be strictly monitored in coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and violations will be addressed accordingly.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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