New work permits announced for expats in Saudi Arabia
The move aims to attract global talent
Expats in Saudi Arabia are now going to be assessed under an all-new skill-based work permit system as the country looks to improve its labour market. This is how the new work permits for expats in Saudi Arabia affect you.
Issued by the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Ahmed Al-Rajhi, the system classifies expats into the following categories: high-skill, skilled, and basic. The categories are based on qualifications, experience, technical ability, wage level, and age.
The new system will take effect for new incoming workers on August 3, while the reclassification of existing expatriates began on July 6, according to this document released by the Ministry of Human Resources.
With several new megaprojects coming to Riyadh and even more coming to Saudi Arabia, the demand for skilled and experienced workers is growing tremendously too. The developments call for highly skilled foreign talent to help achieve the tight deadlines without compromising on the global standards the projects aim to deliver.
The new work permits for expats in Saudi Arabia are expected to enhance transparency in workforce planning and help businesses access better-qualified workers while encouraging a gradual shift away from reliance on low-skilled labour.
The reclassification of existing expats also ties into the Professional Verification Program, which was launched in 2021 and expanded in 2024. This initiative currently covers 128 countries and is set to expand to 160 moving forward. The system vets the educational and professional credentials of foreign workers in major fields such as engineering, healthcare, and education prior to them entering the country.
Employers are urged to review their employees and reclassify them through Qiwa, while workers can also apply for reassessment if they fit the criteria for higher categories, according to the ministry’s guidance manual.
Visit: hrsd.gov.sa
