Nitaqat (Saudization) 'What-If' Simulator

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.

Amounts under review: the official rates behind this tool are being re-verified. Please confirm current figures on Absher or the relevant Saudi government portal before acting.

https://www.qiwa.sa

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.

2

Step 2: Click 'Simulate Nitaqat Band'

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

Each band has different implications for visa processing, government fees, and business operations. This is the ideal band for companies looking to grow. Most compliant companies operate in these bands. They can only renew existing visas, not issue new ones. Government fees are substantially higher. This band serves as a warning zone. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nitaqat & Saudization

How does the Nitaqat band affect visa processing?
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.
Does reducing expat employees improve my Nitaqat band?
Yes. This is often faster and cheaper than hiring new Saudis.
How often does MHRSD update Nitaqat thresholds?
Always check the MHRSD portal or your Qiwa account for your current band and latest threshold tables.

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.

Read our full Disclaimer

How we calculate this: read our methodology