September 22, 2025 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has implemented an innovative Saudi work permit classification system for work permits granted to foreign workers. This reform, initiated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, affects both existing employees and new recruits. The newly established system categorizes foreign workers in accordance with their skills, qualifications, experience, and compensation. Its objectives are to improve workforce quality, align job roles with the pertinent expertise, and increase transparency within the labor market throughout the Kingdom.

Skill-Based Saudi Work Permit Classification System: Categories and Criteria

The Ministry has replaced the previous system, which relied mainly on job titles and sectors, with a structured skill-based classification framework. Using the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO), jobs are grouped into nine occupational categories, and foreign workers are classified into High-Skilled, Skilled, and Basic levels.

Saudi Work Permit Classification Explained: What Foreign Workers and Employers Need to Know

High-Skilled: Includes professionals, managers, and technical experts. Applicants must hold higher education, relevant experience, and professional accreditation where required. Minimum salary thresholds also apply.
Skilled: Covers technical, administrative, and craft-based roles. Moderate education and experience are required, with lower salary thresholds than High-Skilled. Some professionals may be placed here if they do not meet the salary or accreditation requirements for High-Skilled.
Basic: Includes manual and elementary occupations, typically entry-level roles with minimal qualification requirements. Workers must generally be under 60 years of age.

Classification is determined by:

Educational qualifications relevant to the role
Years of professional experience
Accreditation and certifications where applicable
Salary thresholds for each skill level
Age, particularly for Basic-category employees

Employers are responsible for accurately defining job roles and submitting correct details. Misclassification can delay work permit approvals or renewals and may result in administrative penalties.

Implementation, Responsibilities, and Practical Guidance

The Saudi work permit classification system is being implemented in phases:

Phase 1 (Existing workers – from July 5, 2025): Current foreign workers are being reclassified under the new framework.
Phase 2 (New hires – from August 3, 2025): All new foreign workers must meet skill-based criteria at the time of hiring.

All updates and classifications are managed through the Qiwa platform, the official labor portal. Employers can review, update, and request corrections for each employee’s classification.

Employer Responsibilities:

Map each employee’s role accurately to the correct SSCO category
Ensure salaries meet minimum thresholds for Skilled and High-Skilled workers
Verify professional accreditation where required
Review and update employment contracts to align with new classifications
Monitor compliance and maintain accurate documentation on Qiwa

Read More: New Work Permit Rules in Saudi Arabia Welcome Global Skills

Expat Responsibilities:

Confirm current classification via the Qiwa platform
Prepare and submit all relevant documents, including degrees, experience letters, and certifications
Ensure salary meets the required threshold for the assigned category
Monitor age restrictions and their impact on permit renewals
Request corrections through their employer if misclassified

Practical tips:

Regularly check Qiwa for updates to your classification
Maintain a complete portfolio of educational and professional documents
Communicate proactively with employers about role descriptions and classification
Plan for potential adjustments in wages or responsibilities following reclassification

Key Takeaways for Employers and Expats

The Saudi Work Permit Classification system is a major labor policy reform with implications for millions of expatriates and thousands of employers.

Employers must comply with new classification rules, ensure proper documentation, and align wages and job responsibilities with the new skill-based criteria.
Expatriates and foreign workers should review their classifications, maintain supporting documents, and ensure they meet the requirements for their skill category.
The changes are part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at improving workforce quality, increasing transparency, and promoting better alignment between skills and jobs.
Timely compliance with the Saudi work permit classification rules is critical to avoid disruptions in employment or delays in work permit renewals.

The implementation of this system is ongoing, and both employers and foreign workers are advised to monitor official updates closely. The reform represents a step toward more structured labor governance in Saudi Arabia, balancing the needs of the workforce with the country’s economic development goals.