# Saudi Nitaqat minimum wage for Saudis rises to SR5,000 (Rs 369,000), then SR6,000

Source: Searchable (https://searchable.pk/news/world/saudi-nitaqat-minimum-wage-for-saudis-rises-to-sr5000-rs-369000-then-sr6000)
Type: News article
Author: Searchable Editorial
Published: 26 Oct 2026
Updated: 26 Oct 2026
Retrieved: 26 Oct 2026

> King Salman raised the salary a Saudi worker needs to count toward Saudization quotas. Here is what it means for companies and for Pakistani workers.

**Saudi Arabia will raise the minimum salary a Saudi employee must earn to count toward a company's Saudization quota under Nitaqat to SR5,000 a month (about Rs 369,000), and then to SR6,000 (about Rs 443,000).** King Salman ordered the change on Sunday on a proposal from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, [Arab News reported](https://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/king-salman-orders-measures-to-support-citizens-following-crown-princes-proposal-3008205).

The SR5,000 threshold takes effect in six months and the SR6,000 step follows twelve months after that, according to Arab News and [ARY News](https://arynews.tv/saudi-arabia-implements-sr5000-nitaqat-minimum-wage-alongside-citizen-support-package).

## Saudi Nitaqat minimum wage: the numbers

| | Saudi riyals | In rupees (at Rs 73.82 per riyal) |
|---|---|---|
| New Nitaqat threshold, in six months | SR5,000 a month | about Rs 369,100 |
| Second step, 12 months later | SR6,000 a month | about Rs 442,900 |
| New monthly allowance for citizens | SR500 a month | about Rs 36,900 |

Rupee figures use today's riyal rate on our [Saudi riyal to rupee page](/data/sar-pkr). Work out any other amount with the [currency converter](/tools/finance/currency-converter).

## What the rule does, and what it does not

Nitaqat is the Saudi system that grades private companies by the share of Saudi nationals on their payroll. A Saudi worker paid below the threshold does not count fully toward that share. Raising the bar pushes companies to pay Saudi staff more, or hire more of them, to keep their rating.

The new floor applies to **Saudi employees** for quota purposes. Neither Arab News nor ARY says it sets a minimum wage for foreign workers, so it does not mean a Pakistani worker's salary rises to SR5,000. ARY said companies have been told to prepare to restructure pay and compliance to meet the new benchmarks.

## Why it matters to Pakistani workers

Saudi Arabia is the biggest market for Pakistani workers going abroad, and Nitaqat ratings decide how many foreign visas a company can get and renew. Firms that become more expensive to keep in good standing may hire fewer expatriates in some roles. If you have a Saudi offer, check it is a registered job before paying anyone: our guide shows how to [verify an overseas job's PTN on the BEOE portal](/news/pakistan/overseas-job-offer-genuine-or-fake-check-its-ptn-on-the-beoe-portal-before-you).

## The support package and new utility tariffs

The Saudi Electricity Company and the National Water Company will change electricity and water rates from **1 January 2027**. To offset the higher bills, the King ordered a monthly SR500 payment for civil and military employees, retirees, eligible families of deceased social insurance beneficiaries and social security recipients, Arab News said. The allowance is for Saudi citizens; expatriate households will pay the new tariffs without it.

## Frequently asked questions

**Is SR5,000 the new minimum wage for Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia?**

No. The SR5,000 threshold is the salary a Saudi national must earn to count toward a company's Saudization quota under Nitaqat. The reports do not set a minimum wage for foreign workers.

**When does the SR5,000 Nitaqat threshold start?**

In six months from the 25 October 2026 order, rising to SR6,000 twelve months after that, according to Arab News and ARY News.

## Sources

- King Salman orders measures to support citizens following Crown Prince's proposal (Arab News): https://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/king-salman-orders-measures-to-support-citizens-following-crown-princes-proposal-3008205
- Saudi Arabia implements SR5,000 Nitaqat minimum wage alongside citizen support package (ARY News): https://arynews.tv/saudi-arabia-implements-sr5000-nitaqat-minimum-wage-alongside-citizen-support-package

How to cite: "Saudi Nitaqat minimum wage for Saudis rises to SR5,000 (Rs 369,000), then SR6,000", Searchable, 26 Oct 2026, https://searchable.pk/news/world/saudi-nitaqat-minimum-wage-for-saudis-rises-to-sr5000-rs-369000-then-sr6000