Logistics Saudization: Rules for Transport, Warehousing and Supply Chain Roles

Logistics Saudization is not one rule. It is a set of separate decisions from MHRSD and the transport regulators, and which one applies depends on the occupation registered for each worker. This page sorts the rules by activity, with the date and source for each.

Is there a Saudization rule for logistics?

Not a single one. As of 8 October 2026, the rules that can reach a logistics employer are below. We found no MHRSD decision that localizes road freight, truck driving, freight forwarding, rail or shipping roles. That is not proof none exists, so confirm on Qiwa.

Which warehouse and logistics roles fall under the procurement rule?

MHRSD's procurement decision covers 12 professions, four of which are warehouse or logistics titles. It applies where an establishment has three or more workers across the 12 professions combined, not three in logistics alone.

Also on the list, and common in logistics firms, are E-commerce Specialist, Procurement Specialist and Contracts Manager. MHRSD names no salary floor for this rule. Press coverage of the administrative support decision also mentions warehouse keepers, so confirm in the guides which decision governs the code registered for each worker.

The method is the same as in the procurement guide: workers in covered roles x 70%, rounded to the nearest whole number.

A worked example: a distribution company has 2 warehouse keepers, 3 warehouse specialists, 1 warehouse manager and 4 procurement specialists. That is 10 covered workers, so 7 must be Saudi. The company's 150 drivers are not counted, because driver roles are not among the 12 professions.

What is the customs clearance rule?

Customs clearance is localized at 70% of the total workforce of customs clearance establishments, and 100% for named roles. MHRSD Decision No. 212497 is dated 24/11/1442 AH (5 July 2021). A 180-day grace period ended on 26/05/1443 AH (30 December 2021), the date the rule took effect nationwide.

Titles differ slightly between MHRSD's announcement and the guide, so use the guide's list. The customs brokerage licence itself is issued under the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) rules, which were revised in May 2023 and do not mention nationality in the summary we read. The Saudization requirement comes from MHRSD.

What are the rules for ride-hailing and delivery?

These are transport-regulator rules, not MHRSD quotas.

• Ride-hailing: in January 2021 the transport minister approved 100% localization of the ride-hailing activity, for private and public vehicles and operating facilities, according to Arab News citing the Saudi Press Agency. The report gives no effective date. The Transport General Authority's 2024 ride-hailing service rules, in force from 28 February 2024, deal with service standards and do not address nationality in the coverage we read.
• Order delivery: the Transport General Authority (TGA) issued delivery regulations on 23 January 2024. Non-Saudi delivery workers may operate only through licensed light transport companies and must wear a uniform. Press reports describe an effective date of 1 April 2024 and a 14-month transition. TGA's first-phase announcement of 2 April 2024 also limited self-employment to Saudis in Al-Baha, Jazan, Najran and the Northern Borders and left the rest of the Kingdom unchanged until a second phase. Reports differ on regional scope, so check TGA's current rules.

How does this relate to Nitaqat?

They are separate tests, and an employer must meet both. Nitaqat bands the whole establishment on its overall Saudi share. Required percentages follow the formula Y = M ln(X) + C, so targets change continuously with workforce size and differ by economic activity and band. Large warehouse and driver workforces can push a logistics firm's overall percentage down even when it meets the procurement rule. See how Nitaqat is calculated.

Key dates

Find upcoming dates in the Saudization calendar.

What happens if an establishment does not comply?

MHRSD's customs guide treats assigning a reserved role to a non-Saudi, directly or under another job title, as a violation, and the actual duties decide. For the procurement rule MHRSD says penalties follow its violation schedules and has not published fine amounts. Our penalties guide covers how enforcement works.

What should logistics employers do?

1. List workers in the 12 procurement professions, including warehouse and logistics management titles, across all sites.
2. Check registered occupations against duties. Correct genuine errors; do not reclassify roles to avoid a rule.
3. Separate customs clearance staff and check the 100% roles and the SAR 5,000 floor.
4. Check contractor arrangements. See our outsourcing guide for how contracted labor is treated.
5. Use support. See Saudization support programs and the rates database.

What does it mean for Saudi professionals and expats?

The procurement rule raises demand for Saudi warehouse, logistics and sourcing staff, and customs clearance has its own dedicated rule. Our logistics careers guide covers roles, certifications and pathways. For expats, the rules cap the non-Saudi share of covered roles at what remains after the Saudi percentage, for example up to three of ten in the procurement rule. Roles outside the listed professions, such as drivers and handling staff, are outside the MHRSD quotas we verified. See the expat guide.