New Saudi visa rules: Find out which skill tier you belong to
Classification system takes effect for foreign hires from August 3
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia is transforming its work visa landscape with a new skill-based classification system, marking a significant shift in how foreign professionals are hired across the Kingdom.
From August 3, 2025, all new work visa applicants will be categorised into one of three skill levels – high-skilled, skilled, or basic – replacing the previous title-only approach.
The changes, which already apply to existing foreign workers as of July 5, aim to streamline hiring, ensure accurate skill matching, and align with the broader goals of Vision 2030. This reform places new importance on verified qualifications, experience, and job alignment.
Three-tier skill categories
Under the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations, each tier brings its own set of requirements:
- High-skilled workers – including engineers, doctors, and IT professionals – must qualify through a points-based system, which evaluates education credentials, professional experience, and salary levels.
- Skilled roles cover mid-level jobs such as technicians, administrative staff, and supervisors. These require documented qualifications and relevant experience, though the criteria are less stringent than for the top tier.
- Basic applies to manual and support roles. A key criterion here is age – applicants must be under 60 to qualify. While qualifications are not as demanding, proof of employability and alignment with job duties remains crucial.
Employer responsibilities and requirements
For employers, the system calls for immediate attention to compliance. They must:
- Update job titles, contracts, and visa records for all foreign workers
- Submit corrections via the Qiwa platform if skill classifications are inaccurate
- Align roles with either the Qualification Verification Programme or Skills Verification Programme, depending on job type
Failure to meet these standards could result in restrictions on future foreign hiring.
Navigating the new process
Jobseekers aiming to secure higher-tier positions in Saudi Arabia should now take a proactive approach. Collecting authenticated educational and professional documents, undergoing relevant verification processes, and ensuring alignment between their job description and visa classification are essential steps.
While the Saudi government has not yet confirmed whether different skill levels will influence visa entitlements or processing times, the structured format is expected to reduce mismatches and improve transparency in the job market.