Nitaqat is the Saudi programme that classifies private-sector employers by how many Saudis they employ. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development places each establishment in Red, Low Green, Medium Green, High Green or Platinum, and the category decides which labour services the employer can use.
What it is
Nitaqat was launched in 2011 to raise Saudi employment in the private sector, and the Ministry has since issued a developed version of the programme with its own procedural guide. Each establishment, or the combined branches of one economic activity, is measured on its Saudization percentage against a minimum set for its economic activity and size.
The five categories
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Platinum | Highest band |
| High Green | Above the medium band |
| Medium Green | Middle band |
| Low Green | Just above the minimum |
| Red | Below the minimum |
The Saudization percentage is Saudi workers divided by the sum of Saudi and expatriate workers, multiplied by 100. The exact thresholds depend on the activity and size, so they are not listed here.
What each category allows
What it means for workers
Nitaqat is an employer rating, not a rating of you. It matters to you when your employer needs to renew a work permit, issue a visa or process a transfer. If services are blocked at your employer, ask your HR team which services are affected. For your own record, check your Iqama status and, for transfers, the transfer guide.
Questions
What does Nitaqat measure?
The Saudization percentage of an establishment: Saudi workers divided by the sum of Saudi and expatriate workers, multiplied by 100.
What are the Nitaqat categories?
Red, Low Green, Medium Green, High Green and Platinum, set by comparing the Saudization percentage with minimums for each economic activity and workforce size.
Why does Nitaqat matter to an expatriate worker?
Your employer’s category decides which Ministry services the establishment can use, such as new visas, profession changes and transfers. A Red category blocks most services.
Who runs the programme?
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Sources
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
- Procedural Guide for the Developed Nitaqat Program (published copy)
Iqama Guide is an independent information site. It is not a government website and does not process Iqama, visa or payment requests. Always confirm amounts and rules on Absher, Muqeem or the official authority before acting.