The Labor Ministry might halt the Saudization of new commercial activities and raise nationalization rates in the private sector in general following reports of some companies employing expatriates in professions meant for Saudi nationals, according to sources. A source in the ministry said that the nationalization rates would be raised gradually to ensure the employment of a greater number of Saudis in different areas in some sectors.

Having weighed the options of opening employment for Saudis in new commercial ventures, or increasing the rate in the existing ones, the ministry found the latter to be more suitable.

The ministry has noted that the nationalization of some professions was problematic because there was an opportunity for manipulation by recruiting expats for Saudi positions. Subsequently, the ministry has moved to impose penalties on violators and obliging establishments to fire expat laborers and replace them with Saudi nationals.

According to the source, the ministry took into account the Saudis who wish to work in the private sector thereby guaranteeing their stability.