The Cabinet approves rules for employing Saudis abroad and the salary scale

A strategic step to empower national talents globally

In a session chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah, the Saudi Cabinet made a strategic decision approving regulations governing the employment of Saudi citizens abroad, along with a special salary scale for them. This decision is a pivotal step in the Kingdom's efforts to enhance the presence of its national talent on the international stage and to regulate their employment conditions in a manner befitting the Kingdom's stature.

General context and objectives of the decision

This decision falls within the ambitious goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically the Human Capital Development Program, which aims to cultivate a globally competitive citizenry. With the Kingdom's significant expansion in the political, economic, and cultural spheres, the need has arisen to modernize the regulatory frameworks governing the work of its representatives and employees abroad, whether in embassies, consulates, attachés, or international organizations. The new regulations aim to provide an attractive and motivating work environment for Saudis, guaranteeing their rights, clearly defining their responsibilities, and offering competitive salaries and benefits that reflect the cost of living in the countries where they are employed.

The importance and expected impact of the decision

Domestically, this decision is expected to encourage more qualified Saudi professionals to pursue government employment abroad, contributing to the transfer of expertise and skills development. It also provides a clear and structured career path and promotes transparency and fairness in recruitment and compensation. Internationally, the presence of qualified and stable Saudi personnel in various countries strengthens Saudi diplomacy and its ability to advance the Kingdom's interests, provide better services to citizens abroad, and build bridges of cultural and economic cooperation.

Other decisions in the Cabinet meeting

In addition to this important decision, the Cabinet session reviewed regional and international developments and discussed several items on the agenda. The Council approved a number of memoranda of understanding and international agreements that enhance cooperation with several friendly countries, including:

• Memorandum of Understanding in the fields of energy with Colombia.
• Two Memoranda of Understanding for cooperation in the field of youth and sports with Brunei Darussalam and Somalia.
• Memorandum of Understanding for Economic Cooperation with Portugal.
• Memorandum of Understanding to encourage direct investment with the State of Qatar.
• Agreement for cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters with Nigeria.

The Council also adopted the organizational structure and guide for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and approved a number of promotions and final accounts for various government agencies, reflecting the continuity of institutional work and ongoing development in state agencies to achieve the goals of Vision 2030.