HRDF Raises Minimum Qualifying Wage for Employment Support
The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) has announced a two-stage increase in the minimum monthly wage for jobs eligible for its Employment Support product. For new applications, the threshold will rise from SAR 4,000 to SAR 5,000 on April 25, 2027, and to SAR 6,000 on April 25, 2028.
For existing applications, the first increase will take effect with the subsidy for May 2027 and the second with the subsidy for May 2028.
The timing aligns with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s phased increase in the minimum wage at which a Saudi employee counts toward an employer’s Saudization rate under the Nitaqat program.
HRDF will continue to cover up to 50% of an eligible Saudi employee’s monthly wage, subject to the product’s terms and conditions. The subsidy is capped at SAR 3,000 per employee per month.
By covering part of the wage cost, HRDF helps private sector employers across industries recruit and retain Saudi men and women. The Fund aims to improve job quality and stability, help Saudi workers compete for jobs, and increase their participation in the labor market. These efforts support national economic development goals and encourage more effective investment in Saudi talent.
