No Iqama Renewal After 18 November 2026 In Saudi
Saudi Arabia is preparing to introduce another important employment regulation in the private sector, this time targeting gyms, fitness facilities, and sports centers across the Kingdom.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has reminded businesses operating in the sports and fitness industry to complete their employment arrangements before November 18, 2026, when the new Saudization requirements officially come into effect.
The regulation requires eligible private-sector sports centers and gyms to achieve a 15% Saudization rate in 12 specified professional occupations. The decision applies to both men’s and women’s sports facilities that employ four or more workers.
With the implementation date approaching, gym owners, fitness companies, sports academies, and expatriate employees should understand how the new policy works and what changes it may bring to the employment market.
For foreign workers currently employed as fitness trainers, personal trainers, sports coaches, and other professionals in the targeted occupations, this announcement deserves particular attention.
Saudi Arabia Reminds Gyms to Complete Saudization Before November 18
On November 6, 2026, Saudi Gazette reported that the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development had urged sports centers and gyms to complete all necessary employment requirements before the November 18 deadline.
The reminder comes as part of the Kingdom’s continuing efforts to increase employment opportunities for Saudi nationals in specialized private-sector professions.
The policy was originally announced through cooperation between the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Ministry of Sport. Under this arrangement, the Ministry of Sport will oversee the implementation of the decision according to the needs of the sports labor market.
Authorities have also encouraged businesses to review their current workforce, understand the localization requirements, and use available government support programs to prepare for implementation.
This is particularly important for businesses that currently employ expatriates in the occupations covered by the decision.
15% Saudization Requirement?
The new regulation establishes a 15% localization target for selected professional positions in private-sector gyms and sports centers.
In simple terms, eligible establishments must ensure that Saudi nationals occupy at least the required proportion of the targeted jobs.
The policy covers:
-
Private men’s sports centers and gyms.
- Private women’s sports centers and gyms.
-
Establishments employing four or more workers.
The 15% requirement applies to 12 specified occupations rather than every job available inside a gym or sports facility.
This distinction is important because employees working in reception, administration, cleaning, security, or other occupations should not automatically assume that their positions fall under this particular localization decision.
Employers must consult the official occupational classifications and procedural guide to determine which positions are included.
Which 12 Professions Are Included in the Saudization Decision?
The government has identified 12 sports and fitness-related professions for localization.
These include:
- Sports Coach
- Professional Football Coach
- Professional Aquatic Sports Coach
- Sports Supervisor
- Professional Ice Sports Coach
- Professional Self-Defense Coach
- Fitness Trainer
- Professional Racket Sports Coach
- Personal Trainer
- Professional Athletics Coach
- Professional Equestrian Coach
- Professional Ball Sports Coach
These occupations cover a wide range of professional activities, from general fitness training and personal coaching to specialized sports instruction.
For example, a private fitness center employing personal trainers and fitness coaches will need to examine whether its employees’ registered occupations fall within the targeted classifications.
Similarly, specialized sports academies and training facilities should review their coaching and supervisory positions.
The important point is that the decision focuses on specific professional categories. It should not be interpreted as a requirement to replace all foreign employees working in the sports industry.
November 18, 2026: The Official Implementation Date
The new Saudization decision will become effective on November 18, 2026, corresponding to 8 Jumada Al-Thani 1448 AH.
The announcement was originally made in November 2025, giving businesses approximately one year to prepare for the new employment requirements.
Now that the deadline is approaching, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has reminded relevant establishments to complete their preparations.
Businesses should avoid leaving workforce adjustments until the final days. Reviewing employee records, identifying targeted occupations and calculating the required localization percentage in advance can help prevent compliance problems.
For companies operating multiple sports and fitness services, it is particularly important to understand how the official requirements apply to their establishments.
