The Nitaqat program of Saudization is used as a way to measure whether companies are compliant. The program is divided into color categories, with compliant companies in the platinum and hi-, medium, and low green categories. Companies in the yellow and red categories are non-compliant.

Companies in the compliant zones have incentives such as being able to obtain and renew work permits for foreign employees expedited, they’re able to change foreign employee’s professions, and are able to hire employees from red and yellow zoned companies without prior approval from the employer.

Yellow and red zoned companies have some limitations because of non-compliance such as losing the authority to give permission for their employees to change employers. Yellow zoned companies can renew visas for employees that have stayed in Saudi Arabia for less than 2 years but are not permitted to apply for or issue new work visas.

Companies in the red zones have the most restrictions; unable to hire new expat employees, renew work permits or open a new business or branch in Saudi until they have a compliant Nitaqat rating.