The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has issued a decision to classify work permits into three categories based on skill level. The classification sets clear standards to assess the skills of expatriate workers in the Kingdom.
The decision aims to enhance employee performance and facilitate the transfer of expertise to the Saudi labor market by attracting highly skilled talent. It also supports adherence to the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations and helps create an environment that fosters innovation and future investment.
The system will be implemented in two phases. The first phase, starting on July 6, 2025, covers the classification of permits for workers currently in Saudi Arabia based on their salary and job title. The second phase, starting on August 3, 2025, applies to new workers entering the Kingdom for the first time.
Classification will be managed through the company’s account on the Ministry’s digital platform (Qiwa). The system allows flexibility for workers to move between categories if they meet the specified criteria.
The classification guide divides work permits into three primary categories:
- Highly Skilled
- Skilled
- Basic
The classification is based on several criteria, including educational qualifications, years of experience, professional skills (based on accreditation programs), salary level, and age, depending on the nature of the occupation.
Category Requirements:
Highly Skilled:
- Occupation must fall within groups 1 to 3 of the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations.
- Salary must meet or exceed the level set by the Ministry.
- The worker must pass the designated accreditation program and meet the point-based evaluation.
Skilled:
- Occupation must fall within groups 4 to 8.
- Salary must meet the required threshold for this category.
- Accreditation program must be completed.
- If salary is below the threshold for the “Highly Skilled” category, the occupation must fall within groups 1 to 3.
Basic:
- Occupation must fall within group 9.
- The worker must complete the group 9 accreditation program.
- The worker must be under 60 years of age.
- If salary is below the “Skilled” threshold, the occupation must be in groups 1 to 8.
The decision also includes measures to apply best practices in attracting qualified talent and to improve verification mechanisms for monitoring the skill levels of non-Saudi workers in the local labor market.