Saudi Arabia Launches Skill-Based Work Visa System: Benefits for You

Saudi Arabia has introduced a significant overhaul to its work visa system, aimed at attracting skilled foreign workers.

Effective from August 3, 2025, this new system classifies foreign workers into three skill levels: high-skilled, skilled, and basic.

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Previously, work permits were issued based primarily on job titles, often leading to mismatches between roles and worker qualifications.

The new classification aligns workers’ skills and qualifications more accurately with job requirements, enhancing the hiring process.

The categories are as follows:

• High-skilled: Includes professions like engineers, doctors, and IT specialists, requiring candidates to meet a points-based system based on education, experience, and salary.
• Skilled: Covers mid-level roles such as technicians and supervisors, which require verified qualifications but not the high-skilled points threshold.
• Basic: For manual labor and support roles, with workers needing to be under 60 years old.

This change is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms, aiming to raise workforce standards and improve job matching for foreign job seekers.

Employers must ensure accurate classification of their foreign hires and update employee records accordingly.

For job seekers, the new system offers clearer pathways to higher-tier opportunities and improves transparency in the hiring process.

To boost their chances of securing a higher classification, candidates are encouraged to gather relevant documentation and consider enrolling in Saudi-approved verification programs.

Overall, this revamped visa classification system represents a strategic move to enhance Saudi Arabia’s job market and better integrate skilled professionals into its economy.

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