Saudi Arabia is shaking up the process for work permits for foreign nationals. Starting August 3, 2025, the Kingdom will officially implement a new skill-based classification system for all new expatriate hires, following a phased rollout that began earlier in July for current workers.
What’s happening?
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has introduced a three-tiered classification for work permits:
- High-skilled: occupations in SSCO groups 1-3–think engineers, doctors, IT specialists. Candidates must clear a points-based evaluation considering education, experience, and gain professional accreditation.
- Skilled: covering SSO groups 4-8–such as technicians, supervisors, and administrative staff–with verified qualifications, some experience, and a minimum wage threshold.
- Basic: roles in group 9 (manual labor/support). Workers must be under 60, and if wage thresholds aren’t met, they may end up in this category even if technically in a higher occupation group.
Timeline in a nutshell
- Phase 1 kicked off on July 5, 2025, when existing foreign workers in Saudi Arabia had their permits re-classified.
- Phase 2 began on August 3, 2025, applying the system to all new work permit applicants. Employers submit data via the Qiwa platform, and classifications appear automatically. If rules are misapplied, correction requests can be submitted.
Why does it matter?
With this new framework, job applicants get clarity on whether they qualify as high-skilled, skilled, or basic. Employers are now required to match job titles, contracts, and compensation to a worker’s classification–no more job titles just based on convenience. This helps attract genuine talent and supports Vision 2030 by aligning the workforce with the economic goals.
