Saudization of leadership positions: New requirements for directors of centers for people with disabilities
In a strategic move aimed at restructuring the social welfare sector, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has issued a new procedural guide for licensing non-governmental social facilities dedicated to people with disabilities. This step aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes quality of life and the empowerment of the most vulnerable groups.
Details of the procedural guide and quality standards
The new guide, based on the latest executive regulations and Cabinet decisions, lays out a comprehensive roadmap for regulating the operation of day care, home care, and residential care centers. These regulations aim to enable the private and non-profit sectors to invest in this vital field, but according to strict technical standards that guarantee the independence and physical and psychological well-being of beneficiaries.
Among the most prominent technical requirements included in the guide is the obligation for facilities to implement "universal accessibility" standards in all areas and to provide a camera surveillance system covering corridors and courtyards, with recordings retained for 90 days. The ministry also specified precise space requirements for beneficiaries: 22.5 square meters per person in day care facilities and 40 square meters in residential facilities, to ensure a healthy and spacious environment.
Leadership localization and integrity requirements
The new guidelines represent a significant shift in the administrative structure of these centers, explicitly stipulating the "Saudization of leadership." This mandates that the facility's director be a Saudi national, holding a university degree in health, social, or educational fields, and possessing at least two years of experience. The Ministry went further, establishing stringent integrity and professional conduct requirements. Licenses are prohibited for anyone previously dismissed for disciplinary reasons or convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, unless their civil rights have been restored. This ensures that the management of these centers is in the hands of trustworthy and qualified individuals.
Context of Vision 2030 and National Transformation
These decisions cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of the Kingdom's transformation. Since the launch of Vision 2030, the state's strategy for addressing disability issues has shifted from a traditional welfare-based approach to a developmental and rights-based one. Through the National Transformation Program and the Quality of Life Program, the Kingdom seeks to integrate this valued segment of society into the workforce and provide a barrier-free environment, a commitment clearly reflected in the new guidelines' focus on advanced facilities and infrastructure.
Expected local and developmental impact
This regulation is expected to have a broad and positive impact at the local level. Socially, it will increase confidence in services provided to people with disabilities, giving their families much-needed reassurance. Economically, it will open up quality job opportunities for qualified Saudi citizens and enhance the sector's attractiveness for safe and sustainable investment. Furthermore, allowing the licensing of programs within existing educational and healthcare facilities will accelerate social inclusion and reduce operating costs for investors, while maintaining the quality of outcomes.
Financial guarantees and protection for beneficiaries
To further enhance the protection system, the Ministry mandated a five-year bank guarantee of 500 riyals per beneficiary to safeguard their financial and service rights. It also established strict regulations for closures, requiring owners to notify the Ministry and parents 90 days in advance of ceasing operations. This ensures uninterrupted service for this vulnerable group and allows for the timely provision of suitable alternatives.
