Update on Occupation Changes for Expatriates

On 29 January 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia suspended a feature on the Qiwa labor platform that allowed expatriate workers to change certain job titles. 

This suspension affects roles now designated for Saudi nationals, including general manager, sales representative, marketing specialist, and procurement manager. The aim is to control modifications of occupational classifications for foreign employees. Despite this change, Qiwa continues as the main digital platform for managing labor relations in the private sector, including employment contracts and workforce mobility.

On 30 January 2026, it was clarified that expatriates can still be appointed as "general manager," but this is subject to specific regulatory conditions. This clarification addresses confusion following the temporary removal of this title from the list of changeable professions for expatriates.

Deloitte’s view

The temporary suspension and subsequent clarification regarding job title modifications on the Qiwa platform are significant for our clients operating in Saudi Arabia. This change highlights the government's focus on nationalization policy efforts. Employers must stay vigilant about compliance requirements to avoid disruptions in business operations and workforce planning.

We recommend that our clients review their workforce management strategies and seek guidance to navigate these changes efficiently and ensure alignment with the updated regulations. Deloitte is committed to providing comprehensive support to help you adapt to and manage these regulatory shifts effectively.