RIYADH — The Saudi Transport General Authority (TGA) has recently announced a series of new regulations aimed at overhauling the Kingdom's online delivery sector. These measures are intended to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and safety of delivery services, with a special emphasis on the roles and regulations pertaining to non-Saudi drivers. A key aspect of these regulations is the introduction of a uniform for non-Saudis working in delivery services. This move is seen as a step towards standardizing the appearance of delivery personnel, which the authority believes will contribute to a more professional and trustworthy service experience for customers. In a more transformative shift, the TGA has outlined plans to gradually limit the opportunities for self-employment within the delivery sector for non-Saudi nationals. This process will be executed over a period of 14 months, marking a significant change in the sector's employment landscape. Non-Saudi drivers will now be required to work through light transport companies. This decision is part of a broader strategy to more closely regulate and control the sector. Additionally, the TGA has announced regulations concerning the use of motorcycles for order delivery, in coordination with the General Directorate of Traffic. These regulations aim to ensure safer and more efficient use of motorcycles in the delivery process. Another notable change is the permission granted to light transport vehicles to display advertisements. This decision, made in coordination with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, opens new avenues for advertising and commercial engagement within the delivery sector. The phased implementation of these decisions reflects the TGA's commitment to a controlled and systematic transformation of the delivery sector. The initial phase will see the activation of delivery orders to non-Saudi drivers through light transport companies, while still allowing self-employment for Saudi citizens. These sweeping reforms are part of the TGA's efforts to align the delivery sector with the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Services Strategy. The authority aims to stimulate job opportunities for Saudi nationals in the delivery sector and enhance the overall quality and efficiency of services. The ultimate objective is to achieve a qualitative transformation in the order delivery sector, fostering its growth in a manner that benefits both service users and the national economy.
