Saudi Arabia has officially launched a new skill-based work permit classification system, marking a significant departure from its long-standing Kafala (sponsorship) model. The system, which is fully integrated into the Qiwa platform, is aimed at aligning the country’s labor market with Vision 2030 goals by attracting highly skilled foreign professionals and elevating transparency in workforce planning.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
The new model is more than an administrative change—it’s a strategic pivot. With massive giga-projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, and Diriyah Gate underway, Saudi Arabia needs a highly skilled, innovative workforce. The skill-based system is designed to:
- Better align foreign workers’ skills with industry demand
- Promote transparency in recruitment and work permit issuance
- Replace the outdated, employer-tied sponsorship model
- Empower expatriates with more job mobility and fairer classifications
How the New System Works
Saudi Arabia now categorizes foreign workers into three tiers:
1. High-Skill
- Roles in professional, managerial, or technical fields (Groups 1–3)
- Requires higher education or certification, relevant experience
- Must meet wage threshold set by the Ministry
- Often involves passing professional accreditation
2. Skilled
- Roles in services, trade, or technical work (Groups 4–8)
- Moderate education or vocational training required
- Wage threshold lower than High-Skill but still defined
3. Basic
- Elementary occupations (Group 9)
- No formal education needed but age limit capped at 60
- Wage threshold below Skilled tier
Criteria for Classification
Each worker is evaluated based on five key metrics:
- Educational background
- Years of experience
- Vocational certifications
- Offered wage
- Age (particularly for Basic category)
Workers can request reclassification via the Qiwa platform if their wage, education, or experience levels change.
Rollout Timeline
The rollout of the new system is happening in two key phases:
- June 18, 2025: Classification began for existing expatriates
- July 5–6, 2025: Full enforcement for all current residents
- August 3, 2025: New classification mandatory for incoming workers
Role of the Qiwa Platform
Qiwa is now the centralized portal for all workforce-related transactions. Through this platform, employers can:
- Classify employees under the new skill tiers
- Upload supporting documentation
- Manage reclassification requests
Employees can also track their classification and submit queries or updates.
Who Benefits—and How
For Employers
- Better HR planning and forecasting
- Easier hiring of high-potential candidates
- Compliance with national skill-level mandates
For Expatriates
- More transparent and flexible job categories
- Opportunities for skill-based advancement
- Greater employment mobility within the Kingdom
For the Kingdom
- Stronger alignment with Vision 2030
- Global talent attraction in key growth sectors
- Reduced dependency on low-skilled labor
The Professional Verification Program
Launched in 2021 and expanded in 2024, this program ensures that professionals from 128 countries meet Saudi standards before entering the country. It covers key areas like:
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Education
This complements the skill-based work permit model by improving credibility and workforce quality.
Key Takeaways for Global Talent
If you’re an aspiring professional planning to work in Saudi Arabia:
- Ensure your wages and qualifications align with the tier you are targeting
- Check Qiwa for classification status and reclassification options
- Get your professional certificates accredited early
Saudi Arabia’s move toward a skill-based permit system is a landmark reform. It opens the door for global professionals to thrive in a dynamic market while giving employers tools to hire smarter. Most importantly, it supports a national vision for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
For foreign workers, the message is clear: your skills, experience, and value now define your future in Saudi Arabia—not your sponsor.
How Unimoni Can Help
As Saudi Arabia transitions to a skill-based visa regime, aspiring professionals and employers alike will need trusted partners to navigate the new compliance, documentation, and financial requirements. Unimoni, a leading forex and travel service provider, plays a key role in simplifying this transition for both individuals and businesses.
Travel and Forex Services
Offers competitive foreign exchange rates and end-to-end travel solutions including air tickets with special fares & extra baggage allowance, travel insurance with medical coverage, and travel cards—ideal for workers relocating to Saudi Arabia.
Fast and Secure Money Transfers
Enables reliable and cost-effective remittances from India to Saudi Arabia and other countries, with competitive rates. You can send money to Saudi Arabia for various purposes, including Visa fees, Employment, Migration, Family Maintenance, Rent, etc.
Need help with your Saudi work visa process or remittance planning? Visit your nearest Unimoni branch, explore online services at www.unimoni.in or call our 24/7 customer care at 1800 102 0555