The Ministry of Labor has reserved around 70 Iqama professions for Saudis only as per Article 36 of Saudi Labor Law. Expatriate employees working on these professions would not be able to renew their Iqamas.

41 more professions on the list of professions reserved for Saudis

Arab News has reported that authorities have added 41 more professions into the category of professions reserved only for Saudis making it a total of 72 professions.

They will either have to change profession or leave the job. Ministry of Interior will not be renewing Iqamas for those professions. If you have already applied for a change of profession, you can Check Status of Change of Profession Online using MOI System.

After adding the professions which are recently reserved for Saudis in the list, the updated list can be checked at the end of the article.

Uncertainty is the only certain thing in Saudi Arabia

You never know when they start an operation against these professions and you become a victim.

So, it is very important to change your Iqama to some other profession if currently, it is one of those reserved for Saudis. Following professions have reserved for only Saudis in Saudi Arabia;

List of Iqama Professions reserved for Saudis

1-Cashier

2-Complaint Clerk or Claims Clerk

3-Booking Clerk

4-Customs Broker or Customs Clearance Employee

5-Director of personnel relations

6-Director of labor affairs

7-Reservation Agent

8-Tourist Program Designer

9-Duty Clerk or Attendance Control Clerk

10-Employment clerk

11-Executive HR Manager

12-Female Sales Specialist for Ladies Shop

13-Head of Personnel Department

14-HR Manager

15-Senior HR Coordinator

16-Payroll Officer

17-HR Director

18-Compensation and Benefits Officer

19-Training Manager

20-Key Specialist

21-Labor Affairs Manager

22-Receptionist (general)

23-Receptionist (hospitals)

24-Receptionist (hotel)

25-Recruitment Clerk or Employment Clerk

26-Representative or Broker

27-Security Guard

28-Treasurer

29-Staff Affairs Clerk or Personal Affairs Clerk

30-Staff Relations Manager

31-Staff Relations Specialist

32-Individual Affairs Clerk

33-Timekeeper

34-Typist

Ministry of Labor has banned expatriates from working as Sales and retail staff at the following stores and branches. However, it will not be implemented immediately as you can see the implementation dates in the below screen.  – Arab News

35-Shops selling watches

36-Shops selling Eye-Glasses and Frames

37-Medical appliances and equipment shops

38-Electrical appliances and electronic shops

39-Car Spare Parts Shops

40-Building and construction material shops

41-Shops selling Carpets

42-Automobile and motorbike showrooms

43-Home and office furniture shops

44-Readymade garments, children and men's wear

45-Household utensils shops

46-Confectionery shops and patisseries

The expatriates would not be allowed to work on the following 41 professions in the non-governmental organizations and hospitality and tourism sector. The deadline for the NGOs is April 07, 2019 and for private companies and  June 10, 2019, for the hospitality and tourism sector.

47-Light-vehicle driver

48-Order Taker

49-Safety and security officer

50-safety and security supervisor

51-food service employee

52-telephone operator

53-supervisor of telephone operators

54-data-entry clerk

55-administrative clerk

56-secretary

57-general services supervisor

58-room service supervisor

59-maintenance supervisor

60-sales and marketing supervisor

61-tourism programs supervisor

62-front office supervisor

63-director of security and safety

64-acting director

65-maintenance manager

66-room service manager

67-customer service manager

68-administrative manager

69-sales and marketing representative

70-director of tourism programs

71-director of the front office

72-director of staff relations

73-Health and Safety professionals