Are Expat Professionals Welcome In Saudi Arabia Or Are They Not?

Expats living and working in Saudi Arabia could well be confused by official mixed messages.

On the one hand, there's the Kingdom’s Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman’s announcement that the Saudi government as well as the people appreciate and respect expat workers for their invaluable contribution to present and future development projects. Bin Salman also noted the present day expat population of over 10 million is certain to increase over time, as development in the kingdom will require additional expatriate as well as local human resources in order to fulfill its potential.

Touching on Saudization, the crown prince explained his economic reforms were aimed at providing additional incentives for Saudi companies to employ more Saudi nationals and weren’t ever intended to make expatriates feel they were no longer wanted or needed. He stressed the intention was not to drive foreigners out of the kingdom, adding the recently-introduced Green Card permit was proof positive that foreign talent was welcome, especially as the change could lead to permanent residency.

On the other hand, an announcement by Saudi’s Ministry of Labour and Social Development could be seen as contradicting the ruler’s positivity towards expat professionals as, in March next year, the ministry will begin the Saudization of the dental profession. Institutions with more than three foreign dentists will be the first to be forced to comply with the new law, and those which refuse will face fines. The first phase of Saudization will involve 25 per cent of all dental practices and the second phase, due to start next August, will apply to 30 per cent of the remaining institutions.