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Beginning July 5, 2025, Saudi Arabia replaced its traditional Iqama-based system with a new skill-based work permit classification for foreign workers.
This move aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals: making the labor market more efficient, merit-based, and supportive of high-skilled talent.
Under the new system, foreign workers will be categorized into three tiers: High-Skill, Skilled, and Basic.
These categories are determined based on multiple criteria, such as:
Education and qualifications
Years of professional experience
Salary levels
Age
Accreditation or professional credentials
Employers and workers will manage their permit statuses via the Qiwa platform.
The rollout happens in two phases:
Phase 1 (July 5, 2025): Existing foreign workers are reclassified under the new system.
Phase 2 (August 3, 2025): All new work permit applications for foreign workers must comply with the classification system.
Here’s how each tier breaks down:
| Tier | Typical Roles | Key Requirements | Approx Salary Range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Skill | Engineers, Doctors, IT Architects, Executives | Degree or higher, 5+ years’ experience, accreditation | SAR 15,000+ |
| Skilled | Technicians, Mid-level Specialists | Vocational or secondary qualification, 2+ years’ experience | SAR 7,000–14,999 |
| Basic | Entry-level, manual labor | No higher education required, under 60 years | SAR 3,000–6,999 |
* Salary ranges are guidelines based on the initial classification rules.
Each role is also mapped to the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO) to ensure alignment with national labor standards.
If a worker believes they were misclassified, there is a process via the Qiwa system to request a review—provided the candidate meets the criteria for the desired tier.
Job offers must align with your education, experience, and job role
Workers have more clarity on what roles they qualify for
Misalignment in classification could impact visa renewals
Need to ensure job descriptions and salary offers match the classification tier
Classification becomes part of compliance and HR planning
Helps attract and retain high-skilled talent in a regulated way
It’s not just about regulation—it’s about aligning talent with roles and removing ambiguity.
Check your current classification via Qiwa before renewal
Negotiate job titles and salaries that align with higher tiers if you qualify
Get credentials or accreditation — it may help you move up a tier
Ensure clarity in job contracts so your role aligns with the classification
Stay informed about updates and appeals via Qiwa and official sources
This shift from a one-size-fits-all Iqama to a tiered, skill-based work permit system is a major policy change for Saudi Arabia. For job seekers, it brings transparency. For employers, it demands compliance and better planning.
If you're looking for roles in the Kingdom or want to better understand how your classification could affect your career, explore related job listings now on Bayt.com.
