The Saudi General Investment Authority (SAGIA) has told companies operating in the Kingdom that expat staff must not exceed 25% of total workforce, according to its latest set of foreign investment regulations. Businesses and companies should divide their foreign workforce as 10% specialists/managers, and 15% technicians and workers, the Authority said in a statement. SAGIA said foreign investors launching projects in the Kingdom should have a valid patent licence, and businesses should be under the “innovative and promising” category. Foreign-owned companies, which must have a minimum capital of SAR37.5 million, should also be categorised as medium-size businesses with no less than 50 employees and committed to employing Saudis. SAGIA said it started applying the rules from 17 February 2016, and all current visa holders have to abide by new conditions by 31 December 2017. (Argaam)