JEDDAH: Expatriates seeking employment in Saudi Arabia will now be assessed under a newly introduced skill-based work permit system as the Kingdom moves to streamline its labor market and attract global talent.
The decision, issued by Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi, classifies foreign workers into three categories — high-skill, skilled, and basic — based on qualifications, experience, technical ability, wage level, and age. The system took effect for new incoming workers on July 1, while the reclassification of existing expatriates began on June 18, according to the Saudi Press Agency and a ministerial notice.
The Kingdom’s demand for skilled professionals is growing amid a wave of giga-projects, including NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, and Diriyah Gate, which span sectors ranging from construction and design to technology and tourism. These developments require a high concentration of specialized foreign talent to meet tight delivery timelines and global standards.
The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance productivity, mitigate skill mismatches, and support Saudi Arabia’s long-term economic objectives under Vision 2030.
“The measure aims to enhance worker performance, attract global talent to transfer expertise and experience to the Saudi labor market, improve operational efficiency, benefit from international experience, and build an environment that supports innovation and the development of business models,” the SPA report stated.
