🏗️ New Work Permit Classification System for Expats in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has recently introduced a new work permit classification system aimed at improving the labor market, enhancing job transparency, and ensuring fairness for both employers and employees. The move is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which focuses on building a modern, efficient, and globally competitive workforce.

In this guide, we’ll explain what the new classification system is, how it affects expatriate workers, the benefits it brings, and what employers and employees need to know to stay compliant.

🏢 What Is the New Work Permit Classification System?

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) launched a new classification framework for work permits to align with international labor standards.
This system categorizes work permits based on job type, skill level, and qualifications — ensuring that every foreign worker is employed in a role matching their expertise.

🔹 Key Objectives:

Encourage hiring of qualified and skilled expats.
Reduce fake job titles or job mismatch issues.
Improve labor transparency across companies.
Help Saudi employers meet Saudization (Nitaqat) targets more efficiently.

This classification system will be linked to Iqama issuance, renewal, and transfer processes, making it a crucial part of every expat’s employment journey in the Kingdom.

👷 Categories Under the New Classification System

The new system classifies foreign workers under several categories depending on education, experience, and job nature. These categories help the authorities maintain clear employment records.

1. Professional Category

Applies to expats with university degrees or higher.
Includes engineers, doctors, IT specialists, teachers, accountants, etc.
Employees in this category will require degree attestation and Saudi Council registration (if applicable).

2. Skilled Category

Workers with technical diplomas or vocational training.
Includes electricians, mechanics, plumbers, drivers, and similar trades.
They must provide relevant certificates and sometimes trade tests recognized by the Ministry.

3. Unskilled or General Labor Category

Applies to those without specialized training or education.
Includes cleaners, loaders, helpers, and similar positions.
Employers hiring in this category will face stricter limits as part of Saudization efforts.

🧑‍💼 Linking Classification to the Nitaqat System

The Nitaqat program, which measures a company’s compliance with Saudization quotas, is now directly linked to the new work permit classification.
This means that companies employing more workers in the “Professional” and “Skilled” categories will gain better Nitaqat ratings, while those hiring more “Unskilled” workers may face restrictions.

Example:

If a company in Riyadh hires 70% skilled workers and 30% unskilled workers, it may qualify for Green or Platinum Nitaqat status.
However, if the ratio is reversed, it could fall into the Red zone, affecting the company’s ability to renew or issue Iqamas.

💳 Work Permit Fees Under the New System

The fee structure for work permits will also vary depending on the category. While the official rates haven’t drastically changed, some modifications are expected.

Category	Expected Work Permit Fee (Annual)	Notes
Professional	SAR 9,600 – 10,800	May include additional Saudization fees.
Skilled Worker	SAR 8,400 – 9,600	Depends on company size & Nitaqat rating.
Unskilled Worker	SAR 7,200 – 8,400	May increase in future to encourage localization.

(These figures include the basic SAR 800 monthly work permit levy.)

⚙️ How the New System Affects Expats

This reform has both benefits and implications for expatriates working in Saudi Arabia.

✅ Benefits for Expats

More transparency in job roles and responsibilities.
Reduced chances of job title mismatches on Iqama.
Easier career mobility — qualified workers can switch employers legally.
Recognition of skills and qualifications across the system.

⚠️ Challenges

Expats may need to update their documents, such as attested certificates or professional licenses.
Those working in incorrect job titles might need to amend their Iqama profession, which could involve additional fees.
Employers could limit hiring of unskilled expats due to stricter Saudization quotas.

📝 Steps to Check Your Job Category on Qiwa or Absher

If you’re an expat already working in Saudi Arabia, you can check your job title and classification using your Iqama through the official platforms:

🔹 Via Qiwa Platform:

Visit Qiwa.sa.
Log in using your Absher credentials.
Go to “Employment Details.”
Your job title and classification level will be displayed.

🔹 Via Absher App:

Open Absher > Individual Services.
Select My Services → Employment Information.
Check your profession, company name, and validity of your Iqama.

If your profession doesn’t match your actual job, your employer must request an update through the Ministry of Labor portal.

🏗️ Impact on Employers

For companies, this classification brings accountability and modernization. Employers are now required to:

Ensure each job title matches actual duties.
Hire workers with verified qualifications.
Maintain accurate records of employment categories.
Regularly renew work permits and Iqamas under the correct classification.

Companies failing to comply could face:

Suspension of services (such as Iqama renewal).
Fines for misclassification.
Lower Nitaqat ratings, which impact business operations.

🌍 Why This Matters for Saudi Arabia’s Labor Market

Saudi Arabia’s new classification system aligns with global best practices and supports the country’s economic diversification goals.
By organizing the labor market, the Kingdom aims to:

Attract highly skilled international talent.
Create more jobs for Saudis in specialized fields.
Reduce dependency on low-skilled labor.
Ensure fair wages based on skill level.

💡 Tips for Expats Under the New System

Verify your profession in Absher or Qiwa immediately.
Update your certificates through the Saudi embassy if necessary.
Discuss with your HR about any job title mismatches.
Keep a copy of your attested documents for Iqama renewal or transfers.
Avoid working under a different profession than what’s on your Iqama—it could lead to fines or deportation.

🧭 Final Thoughts

The New Work Permit Classification System in Saudi Arabia represents a major step toward a modern, efficient labor market. For expats, it offers greater recognition, fair job matching, and transparency. For employers, it ensures better workforce planning and compliance.

Whether you’re a skilled technician, engineer, or professional, keeping your information up to date is essential for a smooth employment experience in Saudi Arabia.

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