Company Details

Using standard Nitaqat thresholds. Exact bands depend on MHRSD tables for your sector and company size.

What-If Simulator

Saudi Employees

2

Expat Employees

8

Use the +/- buttons above to simulate hiring or removing employees. See how your Nitaqat band changes in real time.

Enter your company details above and use the simulator to see how changes affect your Nitaqat band.

How to Use the Nitaqat (Saudization) Simulator

1

Step 1: Enter Your Current Headcount

Enter your total number of employees and the current number of Saudi employees. These numbers determine your current Saudization percentage and Nitaqat band.

2

Step 2: Click 'Simulate Nitaqat Band'

Click the green simulate button to calculate your current band and see your baseline status. Your current Saudization percentage and band will appear on the right.

3

Step 3: Use the What-If Simulator Controls

Use the +Saudi, -Saudi, +Expat, and -Expat buttons to simulate changes to your workforce. Each click updates the proposed headcount instantly. Try different combinations to see how your band changes.

4

Step 4: Review the Proposed Band & Recommendation

Watch as the proposed band updates in real time. The recommendation panel tells you exactly what actions to take — like how many more Saudis to hire to reach the next band.

5

Step 5: Plan Your HR Strategy

Use the simulation results to plan your hiring strategy, budget for Saudi employee salaries, and prepare your company for Nitaqat compliance audits. Share or print the results for your PRO or HR team.

Understanding Nitaqat Bands in Saudi Arabia

Nitaqat is a Saudization program by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) that classifies companies into color-coded bands based on their Saudization percentage. Each band has different implications for visa processing, government fees, and business operations. Platinum Band (25%+): Companies with the highest Saudization rates enjoy unrestricted visa processing, faster government transactions, and priority access to MHRSD services. This is the ideal band for companies looking to grow. Green Bands (6%–24.9%): Companies in Low Green (6–9.9%), Mid Green (10–14.9%), or High Green (15–24.9%) can process visas normally but may face slightly higher fees depending on their exact band. Most compliant companies operate in these bands. Yellow Band (3%–5.9%): Companies in the Yellow band face significant visa processing restrictions. They can only renew existing visas, not issue new ones. Government fees are substantially higher. This band serves as a warning zone. Red Band (< 3%): Companies in Red cannot issue any new visas, renew expired visas, or transfer employee sponsorships. MHRSD may suspend their access to government services entirely. Immediate corrective action is required. Important: Thresholds vary by sector (high-risk sectors like construction have lower requirements, while low-risk sectors like IT have higher requirements). Always verify your official classification on the Qiwa or MHRSD portal.

Quick Example

Current: 2 Saudis + 10 Expats = 12 Total → 16.7% → High Green Scenario A: Hire 2 more Saudis (+2 Saudi) → 4 Saudis + 10 Expats = 14 Total → 28.6% → Platinum ✓ Scenario B: Remove 2 Expats (-2 Expat) → 2 Saudis + 8 Expats = 10 Total → 20% → High Green (no change) Scenario C: Hire 5 Expats (+5 Expat) → 2 Saudis + 15 Expats = 17 Total → 11.8% → Mid Green (dropped one band!)

Frequently Asked Questions About Nitaqat & Saudization

What is the minimum Saudization percentage for IT companies in Saudi Arabia?
Saudization thresholds vary by sector and company size. For low-risk sectors like IT and Consulting, the Green band typically starts around 6-10% Saudization depending on your company size bracket. Platinum requires 25% or higher. Always check the official MHRSD tables for your specific classification.
How does the Nitaqat band affect visa processing?
Platinum and Green bands allow normal visa issuance. Yellow-band companies face restrictions — they can renew existing visas but cannot issue new work visas. Red-band companies are completely blocked from visa services and risk MHRSD enforcement including service suspension.
What happens if my company is in the Red Nitaqat band?
Red-band companies cannot issue new work visas, renew expat contracts, or transfer sponsorships. MHRSD may also suspend access to government services including Qiwa, MOL services, and visa platforms. Immediate action is required to hire Saudis or reduce expat headcount.
How many Saudis do I need to hire to move from Red to Green?
It depends on your total headcount. With 50 total employees and 0 Saudis (0% = Red), you need 3 Saudis to reach 6% (Low Green). Use this simulator to test different hiring scenarios. For example: 50 total, 3 Saudis → 6% → Low Green.
Does reducing expat employees improve my Nitaqat band?
Yes. Reducing non-Saudi employees increases your Saudization percentage without hiring new Saudis. With 2 Saudis and 10 expats (16.7% = High Green), removing 3 expats raises it to 28.6% (Platinum). This is often faster and cheaper than hiring new Saudis.
What is the difference between Green, Yellow, and Red bands?
Green (6%+): Normal visa processing, standard fees. Yellow (3-5.9%): Restricted visa issuance, higher fees, can only renew. Red (< 3%): All visa services blocked, risk of MHRSD enforcement, urgent compliance needed.
How often does MHRSD update Nitaqat thresholds?
MHRSD updates Nitaqat thresholds periodically, typically quarterly or when Saudization policies change. Always check the MHRSD portal or your Qiwa account for your current band and latest threshold tables.

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This simulator provides estimates based on standard Nitaqat thresholds. Actual bands depend on your specific sector, company size, and the latest MHRSD tables. We recommend checking the official Qiwa or MHRSD portal for your company's exact classification. This is not legal or regulatory advice.

Last updated: July 2026 · Based on MHRSD Nitaqat guidelines & Saudi Labor Law