New Work Permit Classification System for Expats in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is transforming its labor system once again — and this time, it’s all about how expat jobs are classified. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has introduced a New Work Permit Classification System for expatriates working in the Kingdom.

This reform is a major part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s plan to modernize its workforce, reduce job mismatches, and increase opportunities for both Saudis and skilled expats.

In this article, we’ll explain what the new classification system means, how it affects expats, and what you need to do to stay compliant.

🇸🇦 What Is the New Work Permit Classification System?

The new classification system categorizes foreign workers based on their education, experience, and profession.

The goal is to make sure that every expat working in Saudi Arabia is properly matched to a job title that reflects their actual qualifications and skills.

For years, many expatriates worked under incorrect or generic job titles, which caused issues during Iqama renewal, professional verification, and visa processing. The new system eliminates these mismatches by linking work permits directly to verified qualifications.

🎯 Main Objectives of the New System

The Saudi government aims to bring more structure and transparency into the labor market. The new classification system is designed to:

✅ Ensure that job titles reflect real qualifications and experience.
✅ Support Saudization (Nitaqat) by encouraging companies to hire locals in specific roles.
✅ Prevent fake professions being used for visas or sponsorship.
✅ Improve the credibility of employment records.
✅ Make it easier to regulate work permit fees and categories.

In short, it’s a step toward a more transparent and skill-based job market in Saudi Arabia.

👷 Categories of Work Permits Under the New System

The classification divides all expatriate workers into three main groups:

1. Professional Workers

These are expats with university degrees or higher education, usually employed in fields such as:

Engineering
Medicine
Accounting
Education
IT and Software Development
Architecture

Requirements:

Verified degree or professional certification.
Registration with the relevant Saudi professional body (like SCE or SCFHS).

Example:
If you are an Electrical Engineer, your job title must now match your actual role — not a generic “Technician” or “Supervisor” title.

2. Skilled Workers

These are expats with technical diplomas or vocational qualifications, such as:

Electricians
Technicians
Mechanics
Welders
Plumbers
Drivers

Requirements:

Vocational certificate or trade test results.
Experience verification may be required.

This group forms the backbone of Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure and industrial workforce.

3. Unskilled or General Workers

These are workers without formal qualifications, such as:

Helpers
Cleaners
Loaders
General laborers

While still important, this group faces tighter Saudization restrictions. The new system aims to reduce dependency on low-skilled labor and create more local employment opportunities.

🔄 Connection with the Nitaqat System

The Nitaqat program, which determines a company’s Saudization level (Red, Yellow, Green, or Platinum), will now be influenced by the type of workers a company hires.

Companies employing more skilled and professional expats will receive better Nitaqat ratings. On the other hand, firms relying heavily on unskilled labor may fall into lower categories, limiting their ability to renew Iqamas or issue new work permits.

In simple terms:
➡️ Hiring more qualified expats = better Nitaqat score.
➡️ Hiring more unskilled expats = lower score and restrictions.

💰 Work Permit Fees Under the New Classification System

While the Ministry has not announced completely new fee amounts, the annual levy structure continues — but classification may affect the total cost.

Category	Expected Annual Fee (Approx.)	Additional Details
Professional Worker	SAR 9,600 – 10,800	May include added Saudization charges.
Skilled Worker	SAR 8,400 – 9,600	Based on Nitaqat status and company size.
Unskilled Worker	SAR 7,200 – 8,400	Could increase in future to encourage localization.

Note: These estimates include the monthly work permit levy of SAR 800.

🧑‍💼 How the New System Affects Expatriates

For most expats, this change is a positive one, as it ensures fairness and transparency in the job market. However, it also introduces new responsibilities.

✅ Advantages

Your job title and profession will reflect your real expertise.
Easier to transfer sponsorship between employers in your field.
Helps qualified expats secure better salaries.
Strengthens your legal employment status in the Kingdom.

⚠️ Challenges

You may need to attest and verify your documents from your home country.
If your Iqama job title does not match your work, it must be updated.
Employers might hesitate to hire in certain unskilled categories.

🧾 How to Check Your Work Category on Qiwa or Absher

If you are already working in Saudi Arabia, you can check your job title and category online.

🔹 Check via Qiwa Portal:

Go to www.qiwa.sa
Log in with your Absher credentials.
Select Employment Details.
You’ll see your current profession, company name, and Iqama details.

🔹 Check via Absher App:

Open Absher → My Services → Employment Information.
Review your profession, Iqama number, and employer details.
If your job title is incorrect, contact your HR department to fix it through the MHRSD portal.

🏢 What Employers Need to Know

Employers also play a key role under the new classification system. They must:

Ensure every employee’s profession matches their role.
Keep copies of attested degrees or certificates.
Classify all employees correctly in the MHRSD database.
Maintain compliance with Nitaqat requirements.

Failure to comply can result in:

Suspension of work permit renewals.
Financial penalties.
Downgraded Nitaqat status.

🌍 Why This Change Is Important

Saudi Arabia’s labor market is evolving quickly. By introducing this classification system, the government aims to:

Attract more qualified expats in key sectors like engineering, healthcare, and education.
Improve job matching between skills and positions.
Boost local employment by reserving low-skilled roles for Saudis.
Increase transparency in visa and Iqama processes.

This change not only benefits Saudi Arabia’s economy but also helps expats by ensuring their qualifications are recognized officially.

💡 Practical Tips for Expats

Check your current job title on Qiwa or Absher immediately.
Update your qualifications — ensure your degree or diploma is attested.
Request a profession change if your title doesn’t match your work.
Keep copies of all certifications for future renewals or transfers.
Avoid fake job titles, as they can lead to fines or visa cancellations.

🧭 Final Thoughts

The New Work Permit Classification System in Saudi Arabia is a big step toward a transparent, fair, and modern job market. It rewards expats who are qualified and ensures that every worker has a job title that truly represents their skills.

If you’re an expat in the Kingdom, make sure your job title, documents, and Iqama are accurate and up to date. This will help you stay compliant and secure your place in Saudi Arabia’s evolving workforce.

📌 Internal Links Summary

GOSI (Social Insurance) – What Expats Need to Know
New Saudization Rules in Saudi Arabia 2025
How to Renew Your Iqama Easily in Saudi Arabia

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