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HR Compliance04
Saudization Strategy for 12-Branch Retail Chain
Retail
18 months
Nationwide, Saudi Arabia
Yellow → Platinum Nitaqat
The Challenge
Identifying the core obstacles
The client's 12 Saudi branches were rated Yellow under the Nitaqat Saudization program — one level from Red, which would trigger a complete hiring freeze and block visa renewals. With over 200 expatriate employees, the risk of operational disruption was severe. Previous attempts to hire Saudi nationals had seen high attrition within 90 days.
Services Delivered
PRO ServicesBookkeeping & PayrollLegal Advisory
Key Results
Platinum
Final Nitaqat Rating
40%
Saudi Workforce Achieved
40%
Payroll Cost Offset via HRDF
0
Visa Renewals Blocked
Client
International Retail Chain
How we solved it
Our Approach
01
1
Workforce Audit
Conducted a full headcount audit across all 12 branches, mapping current Nitaqat scores per location, identifying roles eligible for Saudization, and calculating the delta to reach Green rating.
02
2
Role Redesign & Compensation Review
Identified roles where Saudi retention was low and restructured job descriptions, commission structures, and career pathways to make positions more competitive versus government employment alternatives.
03
3
HRSD Engagement & Subsidy Access
Registered the client for HRDF wage subsidies for new Saudi hires, reducing the net payroll cost of Saudization by 40% in year one. Engaged HRSD directly to confirm compliance strategy.
04
4
Phased Hiring & Monitoring
Managed a phased Saudi hiring plan with monthly Nitaqat score tracking. Provided quarterly HRSD compliance reports and managed all Qiwa and Mudad filings throughout.
Key Deliverables
What we delivered
Nitaqat Compliance Roadmap
Workforce Audit Report (12 branches)
Role Redesign Documentation
HRDF Subsidy Registration
Monthly Nitaqat Score Tracking
HRSD Engagement & Reporting
Qiwa & Mudad Ongoing Management
Saudization KPI Dashboard
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