Saudi Arabia: Pharmacy jobs now require SAR 7,000 minimum salary for Saudis from today

Dubai: Starting today, Saudi Arabia is implementing its pharmacy Saudisation policy, requiring healthcare facilities and pharmacies to meet new hiring quotas for Saudi citizens as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 employment targets.

The initiative, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Ministry of Health, aims to transform the labor market and increase the participation of Saudis in skilled roles.

Effective Sunday, the new regulations stipulate that a minimum of 35  per cent of jobs in community pharmacies and private medical centers must be held by Saudis.

The rate rises to 55 per cent in pharmaceutical factories and distribution companies, and to 65 per cent in hospital pharmacy operations. The new employment thresholds are supported by Ministerial Resolution No. (103111), dated January 26, 2025.

The updated procedural guide also sets the minimum salary for registered Saudi pharmacists at SAR 7,000, while dental professionals under a related initiative must receive at least SAR 9,000 to be counted toward Saudisation quotas. The guide outlines 21 job titles covered by the policy, including general pharmacists, clinical pharmacists, pharmaceutical consultants, pharmacy sales specialists, and laboratory trainers.

According to official estimates, there are between 13,000 and 14,000 pharmacies across the Kingdom, with 80–85 per cent operating as private community outlets. Major pharmacy chains account for over 3,000 branches nationwide. Government data suggests that the implementation of the Saudisation policy could reshape the employment structure of this vast sector.

In a statement, the Ministry of Human Resources emphasized that employers must comply with the new quotas beginning July 27, 2025, calling on healthcare sector entities to adhere strictly to the updated regulations and help build a “stable and productive national workforce.”

The pharmacy initiative is part of a series of reforms targeting professional Saudisation in high-value sectors. Starting today, new quotas also apply to dentistry and engineering roles.

Dentistry jobs will be Saudised in two phases: 45 per cent effective immediately, increasing to 55 per cent within 12 months. The policy applies to any facility employing three or more dental professionals.

Similarly, technical engineering roles are now subject to a 30 per cent  Saudisation requirement for companies with five or more employees in those roles. To qualify, Saudi technicians must earn at least SAR 5,000 per month, according to social insurance records.

The Kingdom is also advancing its Saudisation plan for the accounting profession. Beginning today, the private sector must employ Saudis in at least 40 per cent of accounting roles in firms with five or more accountants. This target will gradually rise to 70 per cent over five years.

Salaries must meet a minimum threshold of SAR 6,000 for bachelor’s degree holders and SAR 4,500 for diploma holders. Additionally, Saudi accountants must hold professional certification from the Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA) to be counted under Saudisation figures.

Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE.