Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has introduced a new directive requiring private-sector companies to create structured workplace- training programmes for Saudi graduates and job seekers. The regulation applies to businesses with at least 50 employees and is designed to improve workforce preparedness while strengthening the country’s vocational training ecosystem.
Under the updated framework, qualifying companies must train a minimum of two per cent of their workforce each year. The programmes are expected to run between two and six months and focus on building practical skills that support smoother entry into the labour market.
The rules include special provisions for very large employers. Organisations with 5,000 or more workers will need to onboard 100 trainees annually. This requirement remains fixed even if the company’s headcount expands further, ensuring a consistent training pipeline regardless of future growth.
To enhance transparency and accountability, employers must issue formal training contracts for every participant through the Qiwa digital platform. These agreements must clearly outline programme timelines, development stages, targeted competencies and professional tracks, along with the responsibilities and entitlements of both the trainee and the organisation.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to regulate professional training and increase the employability of national talent. By embedding structured learning into corporate environments, authorities aim to help young Saudis transition more effectively from education to stable careers.
The decision also supports the long-term workforce ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritises human capital development and greater participation of citizens in the private sector.
