Immigration

Saudi Arabia | New classification of work permits by skill categories

Summary

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), under Ministerial Resolution No. (4602), has introduced a skill-based classification system for work permits to enhance labor market efficiency and workforce skill-levels, which is in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Work permits are now categorised according to the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations and assessed based on education, experience, skills, wages, and age.

Whilst the points-based system is already in effect and all expatriate employees are linked to one of the skill levels outlined below, we are yet to receive detailed information on the exact methodology being used to calculate the categorisation.

The detail

The Ministry has introduced a classification system for work permits based on three skill-levels (High-Skilled, Skilled, and Basic) aimed at aligning with national occupational standards and labor market needs. Through this new system, the Saudi government seeks to achieve several strategic goals in accordance with the Saudi Vision 2030. This includes attracting highly-skilled workers to enhance workforce performance and transfer expertise to the Saudi labor market, and establishing mechanisms to assess the distribution of skill-levels among non-Saudi workers..

This system divides occupations into nine main occupational groups, forming the basis for the skill-level classification:

1. Managers
2. Specialists
3. Technicians and Associate Professionals
4. Clerical Support Workers
5. Service and Sales Workers
6. Skilled Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Workers
7. Craft and Related Trades Workers
8. Plant and Machine Operators and Assemblers
9. Elementary Occupations

Under this framework:

• High-Skilled level includes occupations from groups 1 to 3 (Managers, Specialists, and Technicians). To qualify, individuals must meet minimum wage thresholds, hold relevant qualifications, complete professional accreditation, and pass a points-based assessment considering education, experience, and salary.
• Skilled level applies to groups 4 to 8 (Clerical, Service, Agricultural, Trade, and Machine Operator roles), though workers from groups 1 to 3 may also be included if they do not meet High-Skilled wage criteria. This level requires adherence to wage thresholds and accreditation standards set by the Ministry.
• Basic level corresponds primarily to group 9 (Elementary Occupations). Workers must be under 60 years of age and, where applicable, meet professional accreditation requirements. Those from groups 1 to 8 may also fall into this level if they do not meet Skilled level wage thresholds.

The points-based system for High-Skilled work permits evaluates applicants using five main criteria: academic qualifications, professional experience, professional skills, remuneration and age of applicant. Each factor is assigned a point value, and applicants who reach the total score required by the Ministry are eligible for a High-Skilled permit. The system is designed to be flexible as more points in one area can compensate for other areas. Additionally, workers who believe they have been incorrectly classified can request a skill-level review. If they meet the criteria for a different classification, their status will be updated accordingly. The classification will be displayed in the Qiwa Platform, which is the official digital platform of the MHRSD.

What this means

Once fully implemented, it is essential for Saudi employers to have a clear understanding of the skill-level classifications and to assess the eligibility of their existing workforce accordingly. Employers may need to realign their hiring strategies, adjust salary structures, and implement targeted training programs to attract and retain talent that meet evolving immigration regulations and labour market needs.

It is also important to stay informed on policy updates and official guidance issued by the MHRSD, particularly regarding wage thresholds, occupational codes, and classification updates.

How we can help

At Vialto Partners, we provide expert guidance on navigating Saudi Arabia’s immigration policies and their implications for businesses and employees. We are closely monitoring the above changes and can advise you with respect to the impact of those changes as well as conduct any assessments your business might need to comply with the new requirements.

For tailored advice on how these changes may affect your business or employees, please contact our team.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Anir Chatterji
EMEA Immigration Partner

Ali Ibrahim
Director, KSA and Bahrain Lead

Ahmed Amer
Manager

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