KSA HR ministry classifies expat work permits by skill levels, details here

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) of Saudi Arabia has announced the classification of work permits for expatriates into three categories—high skill, skilled, and basic—effective July 1, 2025.

In the notification sharing details of the classification, the Ministry stated, “In line with the Ministry’s commitment to organizing the labor market and developing human capital, and with reference to Ministerial Decision No. 4602 dated 10/01/1447H regarding the classification of work permits based on skill levels, this guide aims to raise awareness among labour market stakeholders (establishments and non-Saudi workers) about the classification of work permits according to skill categories, in support of achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”

Issuing the decision, the Minister of HRSD, H.E. Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, said, “This decision aims to enhance worker performance, transfer global expertise to the Saudi labour market, and attract international talent—contributing to the development and improvement of operational efficiency, leveraging international experience, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and the evolution of business models.”

He added, “The decision also seeks to improve verification mechanisms and better manage the skill-level distribution of expatriate workers in the labor market. This will be achieved by verifying that incoming workers possess the qualifications and skills required for their roles, in line with global best practices.”

The Ministry began classifying the work permits of existing expatriates in the digital system from June 18. For new expatriates arriving from July 1, 2025, work permits are being issued according to the new classification system as follows:

#1 High-Skill Expat Work Permit

• The worker's occupation must fall under main occupational groups (1–3)
• The worker must pass the Professional Accreditation Program
• The worker must meet the points system set by the Ministry

#2 Skilled Expat Work Permit

• The worker's occupation must fall under main occupational groups (4–8)
• The worker must pass the Professional Accreditation Program
• The worker must meet the minimum wage requirement for this category

#3 Basic Expat Work Permit

• The worker occupation must fall under main occupational group (9)
• The worker must pass the Professional Accreditation Program
• The worker’s age must not exceed 60 years

The Ministry also noted, “Any previous decisions that conflict with this decision are hereby repealed.”

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This decision will also strengthen verification mechanisms and enable better management of skill-level distribution among expatriate workers by ensuring that they possess the required qualifications and skills for their roles, in line with global best practices.