Saudi Arabia Sets New Skill-Based Work Visa System
Saudi Arabia has introduced a significant change to its work visa system aimed at benefiting skilled foreign jobseekers. For the first time, all foreign workers will be classified into three skill levels: high-skilled, skilled, and basic.
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Overview of Changes
Previously, work permits were issued based primarily on job titles, often leading to mismatches between roles and worker qualifications. The new system, effective for current workers from July 5, 2025, and for new hires from August 3, 2025, aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reforms.
New Skill Categories
- High-skilled:
- Reserved for professions like engineers, doctors, and IT specialists.
- Candidates must meet a points-based system considering education, professional experience, and salary.
- Skilled:
- Covers mid-level roles such as technicians, supervisors, and administrative staff.
- Requires some experience and verified qualifications but does not necessitate meeting the high-skilled points threshold.
- Basic:
- For manual labor and support roles.
- Workers in this category must be under the age of 60.
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Importance for Jobseekers
The new system enhances transparency and predictability in the hiring process. Jobseekers will have a clearer understanding of their standing based on their credentials, and employers must ensure that classifications align with contracts and qualifications.
Opportunities for Professionals
For jobseekers with robust educational or technical backgrounds, the new framework creates clearer pathways to higher-tier job opportunities. Professional accreditation programs, such as Qualification Verification or Skills Verification, will play a more significant role in determining employment eligibility.
Responsibilities for Employers
Employers are now required to:
- Accurately classify all current and new foreign hires.
- Update job titles and employee records in the Qiwa platform.
- Submit corrections for any inaccurate classifications.
Failure to classify workers correctly could impact a company’s ability to hire foreign workers in the future.
Tips for Jobseekers
To improve your classification:
- Gather documentation of your education and professional experience.
- Consider enrolling in Saudi-approved verification programs.
- Ensure your job title and duties are clearly aligned in your employment contract.
Uncertainties Ahead
While the new system clearly defines skill tiers, the Saudi government has yet to announce whether higher-tier classifications will offer additional rights, expedited processing, or cost differences.
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