Saudi Arabia has introduced a new work visa classification system for foreign workers, changing how job roles are evaluated and assigned across the country. Starting August 3, 2025, all new work visa applicants will be placed into one of three skill levels — high-skilled, skilled, or basic.
Until now, work permits were mostly issued based on job titles, without clear links to a person’s actual qualifications or experience. The new system has already taken effect for current foreign workers as of July 5, 2025.
Skill Level Categories for Foreign Workers in Saudi Arabia
- High-skilled
Includes roles like engineers, doctors, and IT specialists. Applicants must meet a points-based system that takes into account education, work history, and salary. - Skilled
Covers mid-level roles such as technicians, supervisors, and administrative staff. Requires verified qualifications and some experience, but with less strict criteria than the high-skilled level. - Basic
Applies to manual and support jobs. Workers must be under the age of 60 to qualify.
For foreign jobseekers, this update means better clarity on where they stand — and a more straightforward way to match with suitable roles. It also puts more weight on official qualification and skills verification, especially for those applying to the upper categories.
Employers will also need to make sure that job titles, contracts, and visa types are consistent with these new rules. The change is part of wider updates to improve how the job market works and help bring in more qualified professionals.
And that’s not the only shift happening. Just last week, new rules for fine dining restaurants were introduced across the Kingdom. And earlier this month, Uber Saudi Arabia added a new feature letting women match only with female drivers — giving users more choice and control.
