Ahmed Al-Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, issued an order on Tuesday to Saudize all consulting professions.

In coordination and cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, the Expenditure and Project Efficiency Authority, and the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF

In a statement on his Twitter account, Al-Rajhi stressed that the decision aims to provide stimulating and productive job opportunities for male and female citizens, as well as to increase their participation in the labor market and enhance their contribution to the Kingdom's economic system.

Details, including the timing of the Saudization decision in the consultancy sector, were not revealed by the minister. There was a royal order issued three years ago prohibiting all government departments and agencies from engaging foreign consultancies unless there was no local expertise available. Prior to approaching foreign consulting firms, all government firms have been directed to seek local advisors.

The Experts' Committee under the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers recommended the restrictions on foreign consultancies. In collaboration with the relevant authorities, the committee studied the local consulting landscape and made the recommendation.