Engineering and Technical Professions Saudization Announced
Saudi Arabia has taken another big step by announcing a new 35% Saudization in 96 engineering and technical professions, making it more difficult for expats to compete in those fields. As a result, iqama renewals will not be processed, and no new jobs will be available in those professions under the 35% rule.
Saudi Arabia has announced an increase in the Saudization rate from 30% to 35% across 94 engineering and technical professions in the private sector. The decision, introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, will come into effect on May 9, 2027.
It applies to private establishments employing at least five workers in the targeted professions. The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to increase employment opportunities for Saudi nationals and strengthen their participation in technical and engineering sectors.
This decision is particularly important for expatriates working in Saudi Arabia, including Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, and other foreign workers employed in construction, electrical, mechanical, maintenance, surveying, and industrial jobs. Companies covered by the decision will need to meet the new 35% Saudization requirement, which may affect future recruitment and workforce planning.
However, this ruling does not mean that all expatriate workers in these professions will automatically lose their jobs or have to leave Saudi Arabia. The impact will depend on the establishment’s workforce and compliance with the applicable Saudization requirements.
Top 10 Professions of Interest to Expatriate Workers
Civil Engineering Technician
Electrical Engineering Technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Electronics Engineering Technician
Mechanical Maintenance Technician
Electrical Maintenance Technician
HVAC Technician
Land Surveyor
Architectural Draftsman
Welding Technician
Additional Engineering and Technical Professions
The following are additional job titles from the supplied list, translated into English and grouped by sector.
Civil Engineering and Construction
Construction Materials Technician
Construction Draftsman
Architectural Model Maker
Road Maintenance Technician
Road Inspector
Construction Site Supervisor
Construction Maintenance Technician
Building Maintenance Technician
Construction Materials Laboratory Technician
Soil Testing Laboratory Technician
Electrical and Electronics Professions In Saudi
Electrical Wiring Technician
Electrical Draughtsman
Electrical Design Drafter
Electronics Technician
Electronic Control Devices Technician
Electrical Network Maintenance Technician
Electrical Protection Systems Technician
Electrical Cable Installer
Power Distribution Technician
Power Transmission Technician
Power Plant Operator
Electrician
Mechanical and Maintenance
Mechanical Drafter
Welding Inspector
Plumbing Technician
Air Conditioning Installation Technician
Air Conditioning Maintenance Technician
Heating and Cooling Technician
Machinery Maintenance Technician
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Vehicle Mechanic
Bus and Truck Maintenance Technician
Road Machinery Maintenance Technician
Hydraulic Technician
General Maintenance Mechanic
Surveying and Mapping
General Surveyor
Assistant Surveyor
Road Surveyor
Mine Surveyor
Aerial Surveyor
Digital Mapping Technician
Cartography Draftsmen
Digital Mapping Specialist
Surveying Technician
Quantity Surveyor
Industrial and Production Professions
Production Engineering Technician
Industrial Machinery Installation Technician
Manufacturing Supervisor
Industrial Plant Layout Drafter
Chemical Engineering Technician
Chemical Plant Technician
Petroleum Refining Technician
Drilling Technician
Quality Control Technician
Quality Inspector
Materials Monitoring Supervisor
Aviation and Other Technical Professions
Aircraft Maintenance Technician
Aircraft Mechanic
Aircraft Electrician
Aircraft Electronics Technician
Helicopter Maintenance Technician
Jet Aircraft Maintenance Technician
Aircraft Engine Mechanic
Train Maintenance Technician
Ship Engine Maintenance Technician
Firefighting Technician
Water Network Technician
Drilling Rig Mechanic
Environmental Protection Technician
Expatriates Currently Working In 96 Professions
Expatriates working in these sectors should verify their registered job titles on their Iqama and Qiwa accounts and stay updated on official announcements before May 9, 2027. Employers should also review their workforce requirements and prepare for the new Saudization percentage.
