Companies operating in Saudi Arabia face a wave of Saudi Arabia regulatory updates throughout 2026, spanning labor quotas, social insurance, residency permits, and travel access. However, staying compliant requires understanding four distinct developments that will reshape how foreign businesses manage their Saudi operations.
Saudization Quotas Expand Across Key Professions
Saudi authorities are raising mandatory Saudi national quotas across several professional categories. Engineering roles must reach a 30% Saudization rate starting June 30, 2026, with a minimum salary of SAR 8,000 required for Saudi nationals counted toward the quota. Procurement functions face an even steeper target, moving to 70% by May 31, while marketing and sales positions must hit 60% by April 19.
Furthermore, the scope extends well beyond these headline categories. An additional 69 administrative roles — including secretarial work, data entry, and translation — now fall under 100% Saudization. Consequently, companies employing foreign staff in these positions must plan replacement or restructuring well ahead of the deadlines.
GOSI Integration Strengthens Health Insurance Oversight
The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) is integrating its systems with health insurance providers to cross-check employment status against medical coverage. This move does not turn GOSI into an insurer itself. Instead, it improves the authorities’ ability to verify that every worker’s employment record matches their health insurance status, closing gaps that previously allowed inconsistencies to go undetected.
As a result, employers should ensure that payroll, GOSI registration, and health insurance records remain fully aligned. Discrepancies that once passed unnoticed are likely to surface more quickly under the new integrated system.
New Work Permit Requirement for Premium Residency Holders
Premium Residency holders will face a significant change starting June 2026. Previously, this visa category allowed holders to work in Saudi Arabia without a dedicated work permit. Under the new rule, however, Premium Residency holders must obtain a specific work permit through the Qiwa platform before beginning employment.
Notably, it remains unclear whether this requirement applies retroactively to individuals who already hold Premium Residency status. Companies sponsoring or employing Premium Residency holders should monitor official guidance closely as the June deadline approaches.
UK Citizens Gain Electronic Travel Authorization
Starting July 1, 2026, British citizens will be able to enter Saudi Arabia using an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) rather than a traditional visa application. The ETA covers tourism, short-term study, and business visits, permitting multiple entries and stays of up to 180 days per year. Nevertheless, it cannot be used for employment, residency, or Hajj purposes.
This measure simplifies short-term mobility for UK nationals but does not replace work or residency permits for those seeking to relocate or take up employment in the Kingdom.
Why These Changes Matter for Italian Companies
Taken together, these four developments signal a Saudi labor and immigration framework that is tightening in some areas while easing in others. Italian companies operating in or entering Saudi Arabia must therefore reassess workforce planning, sponsorship arrangements, and mobility strategies in light of the new rules. Moreover, the pace of regulatory change means compliance cannot be treated as a one-time exercise — ongoing monitoring is essential.
This update draws on information circulated by EER Middle East, a Dubai-based HR and compliance consultancy.
If your company needs support navigating Saudization quotas, GOSI compliance, or work permit requirements, Kelmer Group’s specialists can guide you through every stage of Saudi market compliance and expansion.