From Saturday, Sept. 24, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) began implementing the Saudization of fun cities and amusement parks. Saudi Arabian workers should not be hired for professions restricted to Saudis, the ministry warned.

Consequently, the new Saudization drive covers 70 percent of jobs in independent and seasonal fun cities as well as family entertainment centers, and 100 percent of jobs in entertainment cities within closed commercial complexes (malls).

A procedural guide for the localization of amusement parks and entertainment centers has been published on the ministry's website.

As soon as the grace period for implementation of the decision expires, the ministry will begin taking punitive measures against establishments that fail to comply with the Saudization directives. There are two types of violations noted by the MHRSD, namely the hiring of non-Saudis in professions restricted to Saudis, and non-compliance with Saudization percentages.

As part of a series of Saudization decisions, the ministry has worked with government agencies and the private sector to ensure that Saudi men and women have an appropriate and stimulating work environment. According to the Saudization strategy concerned with developing human capital and stimulating economic growth, these decisions also aim to expand the circle of participation with the private sector.

A few trades and professions were exempted from this decision of Saudization, including painters, cleaners, bus drivers, loading and unloading workers, barbers, plumbers, and operators of quality games.

According to the procedural guide, the decision does not conflict with the Saudization rates specified earlier for various professions that apply to the entire workforce of the company.

According to the guide, the Saudization percentage will be calculated after subtracting workers from exempted professions.