RIYADH. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Ahmed Al-Rajhi, has announced a new system classifying expatriate work permits into three skill levels: high-skill, skilled, and basic. This move aims to streamline the labor market and align with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
A detailed guidance manual explaining the classification process is available on the ministry’s official website. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to create an attractive and efficient labor market, boost human capital, and enhance the business environment. It aligns with the National Transformation Program and Vision 2030 objectives.
The decision strengthens verification processes, ensuring workers have the necessary skills and qualifications for their roles. This approach aligns with global best practices and improves the management of expatriate skill distribution in the labor market. Work permits will be classified according to skill levels as explained below:
Criteria for Classifying Work Permits:
- Educational Qualifications: Determining the suitability of the educational level to the requirements of the profession.
- Professional Experience: Verifying the required years of professional experience according to the specific requirements for each skill level.
- Professional Skills: Meeting the requirements of the Professional Accreditation Program, based on the nature of the profession.
- Remuneration: The wage thresholds set by the Ministry for each skill level, depending on the economic activity.
- Age: The age group specified for each profession according to its nature and requirements.
The above mentioned criteria for classifying work permits will be adopted to build a balanced methodology for classifying work permits for non-Saudi workers into three categories, as follows:
- High-Skilled Level:
Work permits for the High-Skilled Level will be classified according to the following criteria:
a. The profession must fall within one of the main occupational groups (1 to 3) as per the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations.
b. The worker’s total wage must not be less than the minimum threshold for the High-Skilled Level, as determined by the Ministry for the economic activity.
c. The worker must meet the requirements of the Professional Accreditation Program defined by the Ministry for the main occupational groups (1 to 3).
d. The worker must pass the points-based system set by the Ministry for this level, which is based on three main criteria: educational qualifications, Professional experience, and wage. - Skilled Level:
Work permits for the Skilled Level will be classified according to the following conditions:
a. The profession must fall within one of the main occupational groups (4 to 8), as per the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations.
b. The worker’s total wage must not be less than the minimum threshold for this level, as determined by the Ministry.
c. The worker must meet the requirements of the Professional Accreditation Program defined by the Ministry for the main occupational groups (4 to 8).
d. The profession may fall within one of the main occupational groups (1 to 3) if the worker does not meet the minimum wage threshold set for the High-Skilled Level. - Basic Level:
Work permits for the Basic Level will be classified according to the following conditions:
a. The profession must fall within the main occupational group (9), as per the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations.
b. If applicable for the profession, the worker must meet the requirements of the Professional Accreditation Program defined by the Ministry for the main occupational group (9).
c. The age of the non-Saudi worker must not exceed 60 years.
d. The profession may fall within one of the main occupational groups (1 to 8) if the worker does not meet the minimum wage threshold set for the Skilled Level.
Implementation Stages
The Ministry has ensured a smooth and gradual implementation of this methodology, which will be launched in two main phases:
Phase 1: Classification of work permits for workers currently employed in the Kingdom (Effective from July 5, 2025). This phase targets non-Saudi workers who are currently employed in the Kingdom. The skill level of these workers will be assessed based on their professions and wages.
Phase 2: Classification of work permits for incoming workers to the Kingdom (Effective from August 3, 2025). This phase involves classifying the work permits of workers entering the Kingdom for the first time, in accordance with the work permit classification mechanism.
The classification process for both phases will be automated, with the skill level of work permits appearing directly through the establishment’s account on the Ministry’s systems (Qiwa Platform). Workers whose skill level is not accurately classified can submit a request to correct their skill level. If they meet the specified criteria for the desired skill level, their classification will be updated accordingly.
By categorizing workers based on skill levels, the ministry aims to improve performance, attract global talent, and transfer expertise to the Saudi workforce. The system also promotes operational efficiency, leverages international experience, and fosters innovation and business development.