The Labor Ministry in Saudi Arabia has decided to limit the practice of 19 professions to nationals and has thus banned all kinds of relevant working visas.

Only Saudis should assume posts, including chiefs of human resources and personnel affairs, receptionists and private guards, the national Al Riyadh newspaper said Saturday.

The Saudi Labor Ministry also decided not to renew work permits for foreigners who are already practicing those professions.

The Ministry said this is part of a strategy to replace foreign workers by Saudis with the aim to upgrade their skills and reduce unemployment.