GazetteRecord
HRDF raises minimum salary for employment support to SR5,000 in 2027
The threshold will increase to SR6,000 from April 2028, aligned with Nitaqat program requirements.
The Human Resources Development Fund announced on 30 October 2026 that the minimum monthly salary eligible for its Employment Support Program will rise from SR4,000 to SR5,000 starting 25 April 2027, and will rise again to SR6,000 starting 25 April 2028. The change will roll out in two phases, matching the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development's decision to raise the minimum salary required for Saudi employees to count under the Nitaqat Saudization program.
HRDF employment support threshold increases in two phases#
The first phase raises the minimum eligible salary for new applications from SR4,000 to SR5,000 on 25 April 2027. Applications already in the system will face the revised threshold from May 2027 payments onward. The second phase begins on 25 April 2028, lifting the minimum for new applications from SR5,000 to SR6,000. Applications already receiving support will face the SR6,000 threshold from May 2028 payments onward. HRDF stated it will maintain its subsidy at up to 50 percent of eligible Saudi employees' monthly salaries, capped at SR3,000 per month, under the program's approved terms and conditions.
Salary thresholds align with Nitaqat Saudization requirements#
The revised thresholds match those for full inclusion in private-sector Saudization quotas, which will reach SR5,000 in April 2027 and SR6,000 in April 2028. The Employment Support Program covers part of the salaries of Saudi men and women hired by private sector employers. HRDF published the implementation schedule on 30 October 2026.
Program subsidizes up to SR3,000 per employee monthly#
HRDF will continue to subsidize up to 50 percent of eligible Saudi employees' monthly salaries, with a maximum contribution of SR3,000 per month. The fund applies the program's approved terms and conditions to all support applications. Employers must meet the revised minimum salary thresholds to qualify for the subsidy under the new schedule. The program covers part of the cost of hiring Saudi nationals in the private sector.
Implementation dates set for April 2027 and April 2028#
The SR5,000 threshold applies to new applications from 25 April 2027, and to existing applications from May 2027 payments. The SR6,000 threshold applies to new applications from 25 April 2028, and to existing applications from May 2028 payments. HRDF announced the changes on 30 October 2026.
Sources2 sources across 2 domains
- saudigazette.com.saSaudi GazetteHRDF announcement of minimum salary increases to SR5,000 from April 2027 and SR6,000 from April 2028, implementation dates, subsidy cap of SR3,000, and alignment with Nitaqat program
- hoteliermiddleeast.comHotelier Middle EastSalary thresholds for Saudisation quotas rising to SR5,000 in April 2027 and SR6,000 in April 2028
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