Saudization’s first phase begins includes four professions.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced that the first phase of Saudization in licensed aviation professions will begin on March 15 in all regions of the Kingdom. Saudization begins with four professions: air controller, air transporter, ground movement coordinator, and co-pilot.

These include 60 percent Saudization in the fixed-wing pilot profession and 50 percent Saudization in the flight attendant profession. This decision applies to all private sector establishments that employ five or more workers in the specified aviation professions. The General Authority of Civil Aviation requires Saudi personnel in the targeted professions to obtain professional accreditation (GACA).

This move is a continuation of the ministry’s efforts to provide a stimulating and productive work environment for male and female citizens, increase their labor-market participation, and increase their contribution to the economic system.

The ministry stated that it will offer a package of incentives to private sector businesses to assist them in hiring Saudis. These incentives will support the process of luring and locating qualified workers, assisting with the necessary training and qualification process, assisting with the employment process and job stability for Saudis, as well as prioritizing utilizing all Saudization support programs available to the system (HADAF).

The decision is made as part of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s cooperation with the regulatory agencies, which are represented by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics and GACA, in order to control the Saudi labor market, improve its effectiveness, boost the participation of both men and women in the private sector, provide more opportunities for quality employment, and achieve employment stability.

The ministry published a guide outlining the specifics of the choice and the procedure for putting it into effect. It emphasized the importance of establishments following the rules set forth in this decision in order to avoid the statutory fines that will be imposed on those who violate them.