Saudi Arabia Introduces New Work Permits to Boost Overseas Hiring Flexibility

Key Takeaways

• Saudi Arabia replaces uniform work permits with skill-based categories starting July 2025.
• Employers must classify all foreign workers via the Qiwa platform in two phases.
• New system supports Vision 2030 goals by attracting skilled talent and boosting innovation.

Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 has announced a major update to its work permit system, marking a significant shift in how the country manages foreign talent. This change, effective from July 2025, is a core part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to modernize the economy, reduce dependence on oil, and build a more competitive workforce. The new system introduces skill-based categories for work permits, making it easier for employers to hire the right talent from overseas and for workers to understand their place in the Saudi labor market.

Let’s break down what’s changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what this means for people with pending or future applications.

Summary of What Changed

Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 has moved from a one-size-fits-all approach to a skill-based work permit system. Now, foreign workers are grouped into three main categories based on their skills, education, experience, and wages. The system is being rolled out in two phases, starting with current workers and then applying to all new arrivals. The Qiwa platform, an online government tool, will handle much of the process automatically, making it easier for employers to keep up with the new rules.

Who Is Affected by the New Work Permit System?

This update affects several groups:

• Current Expatriate Workers: Anyone already working in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 on a work permit will be reclassified under the new system.
• New Foreign Workers: All new expatriates entering the country after August 3, 2025, will be classified according to the new categories.
• Employers: Companies and organizations hiring foreign workers must now use the Qiwa platform to manage and update their employees’ work permit categories.
• Recruitment Agencies: Agencies that help bring foreign talent to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 need to understand the new system to advise clients correctly.
• Government Officials and Policymakers: Those responsible for labor market planning and compliance will use the new categories to track and manage workforce trends.

Effective Dates and Implementation Phases

The rollout of the new work permit system is happening in two main phases:

• Phase 1 (July 5, 2025): Reclassification of all existing expatriate workers. Employers must review and update the status of their current foreign employees using the Qiwa platform.
• Phase 2 (August 3, 2025): The new system applies to all new foreign workers entering Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦. From this date, every new work permit application must follow the new skill-based categories.

Key Features of the New Work Permit System

The updated system introduces several important changes:

1. Skill-Based Classification

Foreign workers are now grouped into three main categories:

• High-Skill: These workers have advanced degrees, many years of professional experience, and earn higher wages. Examples include engineers, doctors, IT specialists, and senior managers.
• Skilled: This group includes workers with specialized skills, technical training, or moderate experience. They earn wages above a set minimum but below the high-skill level. Examples might be technicians, nurses, or mid-level supervisors.
• Basic: Workers in this category do not meet the wage or skill requirements for the higher groups. They often fill roles in construction, cleaning, or other support services.

2. Criteria for Classification

The government uses several factors to decide which category a worker belongs to:

• Education: Level of formal education or technical training.
• Professional Experience: Number of years working in the field.
• Technical Skills: Special abilities or certifications.
• Wages: Salary level, with set minimums for each category.
• Age: Some roles may have age requirements.

3. Automation and the Qiwa Platform

The Qiwa platform is a government-run online system that automates much of the work permit process. Employers can:

• Submit new work permit applications
• Update or change an employee’s skill category
• Track the status of applications
• Access official guidelines and manuals

This automation is meant to reduce paperwork, speed up approvals, and help employers stay compliant with the new rules.

4. Focus on Flexibility and Innovation

The new system is designed to make it easier for Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 to attract global talent, especially in fast-growing fields like artificial intelligence, healthcare, and technology. By matching workers’ skills to the needs of the economy, the government hopes to fill gaps where local talent is still developing.

5. Compliance and Monitoring

Employers must keep their records up to date and ensure that all foreign workers are correctly classified. The government will use the Qiwa platform to monitor compliance and may conduct audits or checks to make sure the rules are being followed.

Required Actions for Employers and Workers

If you are an employer or a foreign worker in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, here’s what you need to do:

For Employers:

• Review Current Workforce: Log in to the Qiwa platform and check the classification of all current foreign employees.
• Update Records: Make sure each worker is placed in the correct skill category based on their education, experience, and wages.
• Prepare for New Hires: From August 3, 2025, all new work permit applications must use the new system. Gather the necessary documents (degrees, certificates, proof of experience) for each new hire.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) website for updates and detailed guidelines. The official MHRSD work permit guide provides step-by-step instructions.
• Use Qiwa Platform: All updates, applications, and changes must go through the Qiwa platform.

For Current Expatriate Workers:

• Check Your Status: Ask your employer which skill category you have been placed in.
• Update Your Documents: Make sure your education and experience records are up to date and available if needed.
• Understand Your Rights: Each skill category may come with different benefits, wage levels, and job opportunities.

For New Applicants:

• Gather Required Documents: Before applying, collect all necessary paperwork, including diplomas, certificates, and proof of work experience.
• Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet the requirements for the job and skill category you are applying for.
• Work with Your Employer: Your employer will handle most of the application process through the Qiwa platform, but you may need to provide documents or information.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you have a work permit application already in process as of July 2025, here’s what you need to know:

• Applications Submitted Before July 5, 2025: These will be reviewed under the old system, but you may be asked to provide extra documents or information to fit the new categories.
• Applications Submitted After July 5, 2025: These will be reviewed under the new skill-based system. Make sure your application includes all required documents for your skill category.
• Transition Period: There may be some delays as the government and employers adjust to the new system. Stay in close contact with your employer or recruitment agency for updates.

Policy Implications and Broader Impact

This change is not just about paperwork—it’s a key part of Saudi Arabia’s 🇸🇦 Vision 2030 plan. The government wants to:

• Attract Top Talent: By making it easier for highly skilled workers to get permits, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 hopes to bring in experts who can help grow new industries.
• Support Economic Diversification: The country is investing in big projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project, which need workers with specialized skills.
• Improve Worker Performance: By matching the right people to the right jobs, the government expects better results and higher productivity.
• Boost Innovation: Bringing in global talent can help local workers learn new skills and encourage new ideas.

Expert Opinions and Reactions

• Recruiters: Many see the new system as a positive step, especially for hiring in high-demand fields. However, they say the real test will be how easy the system is to use and how quickly applications are processed.
• Government Officials: Leaders say the new system is crucial for reaching Vision 2030 goals and making the Saudi labor market more competitive.
• Employers: Some companies are concerned about the extra paperwork and the need to update records, but most agree that the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term challenges.

What This Means for Different Groups

• Immigrants: The new system could make it easier for highly skilled workers to find jobs in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, but those in lower-skill roles may face more competition or stricter requirements.
• Employers: Companies must be more careful in how they classify and pay foreign workers, but they gain more flexibility to hire the talent they need.
• Students and Young Professionals: Those with advanced degrees or technical skills may find more opportunities, especially in fields like technology, healthcare, and engineering.

Historical Context and Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia’s 🇸🇦 move to a skill-based work permit system is part of a larger effort to modernize the country. Vision 2030 is a national plan to:

• Reduce Oil Dependence: By growing other industries, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 wants to rely less on oil exports.
• Grow the Private Sector: The government is encouraging more private businesses and foreign investment.
• Develop Local Talent: By bringing in global experts, the country hopes to train and inspire its own workforce.

The new work permit system is a practical step toward these goals, helping Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 compete with other countries for the best talent.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

If you need more information or want to start the application process, here are some helpful resources:

• Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD): The official MHRSD website has detailed guides, manuals, and updates about the new work permit system.
• Qiwa Platform: This is the main online tool for managing work permits. Employers and workers can log in to check status, update records, and get help.
• VisaVerge.com: Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that the new system will make Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 more attractive to global talent, but both employers and workers should pay close attention to the new requirements and deadlines.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

• Employers: Review your current workforce, update records, and get familiar with the Qiwa platform. Prepare for the new rules before August 3, 2025.
• Current Workers: Check your classification and make sure your documents are up to date.
• New Applicants: Gather all required paperwork and work closely with your employer to ensure a smooth application.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check official sources for updates, as the system may continue to change based on feedback and operational needs.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s 🇸🇦 new skill-based work permit system is a major step forward in building a modern, flexible, and competitive labor market. By focusing on skills and matching workers to the right jobs, the country is opening its doors to global talent and supporting its ambitious Vision 2030 goals. Whether you are an employer, a current worker, or someone hoping to work in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, understanding these changes and taking the right steps now will help you succeed in the new system. For the latest updates and detailed instructions, always refer to the official MHRSD work permit guide.

Learn Today

Work Permit → Official authorization allowing foreigners to work legally in Saudi Arabia under specific conditions.
Skill-Based Classification → Grouping foreign workers by education, experience, skills, and wages to match labor market needs.
Qiwa Platform → Saudi government’s online system for automating work permit applications and classifications.
Vision 2030 → Saudi Arabia’s national plan to diversify its economy and reduce oil dependence by 2030.
Expatriate Worker → A foreign national employed temporarily or permanently within Saudi Arabia.

This Article in a Nutshell

Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system, launching July 2025, reclassifies foreign workers to align talent with Vision 2030’s modernization goals and economic diversification. Employers use the Qiwa platform for submissions and compliance, enhancing workforce competitiveness and innovation in key industries.
— By VisaVerge.com