Saudi Arabia
Saudi Skilled Worker Visa 2025: Eligibility, Categories, and Salaries Explained: Saudi Arabia has unveiled a major reform in its labor market with the launch of the Saudi Skilled Worker Visa 2025. Starting July 5, 2025, for existing expatriates and August 3, 2025, for new hires, the kingdom’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) will implement a tiered classification system that redefines how foreign workers qualify for jobs.
A new classification framework
At the heart of this reform is a structured framework dividing occupations into High-Skilled, Skilled, and Basic categories. HRSD further groups these into nine occupational bands:
- Groups 1–3: High-skilled professions such as doctors, engineers, IT specialists, and corporate executives.
- Groups 4–8: Skilled workers including technicians and mid-level professionals.
- Group 9: Basic roles, subject to an upper age cap.
This system directly ties salaries, education, and work experience to visa eligibility, ensuring transparency and fairness for both employers and employees.
Key eligibility requirements
To apply for the Saudi Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must:
- Secure a confirmed job offer from an HRSD-registered employer.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Pass mandatory medical and police checks.
- Meet the minimum salary threshold set by their skill category.
For example, High-Skilled applicants must earn at least SAR 15,000 per month, typically hold a bachelor’s degree, and have at least five years of relevant work experience.
Application process via Qiwa
Employers must submit applications through the Qiwa platform, which integrates HRSD and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Each application must include:
- A signed employment contract.
- Proof of accreditation where required.
- Correct occupational classification.
After approval, workers will complete medical screenings and use visa authorization slips to obtain entry permits at Saudi embassies or consulates.
Why this reform matters
The government explains that the new visa system supports Vision 2030 by aligning global talent with high-demand sectors, including healthcare, construction, IT, tourism, oil and gas, and education. It also aims to reduce job-role mismatches, strengthen labor quality, and create long-term career pathways.
Implications for workers and employers
Correct classification affects not only salary and promotions but also family sponsorship and residency stability. Misclassification may reduce benefits or cause delays, but both employers and employees can request corrections through Qiwa.
Moreover, the new system introduces a points-based review for High-Skilled applicants, rewarding higher education levels, longer work histories, and competitive salaries. Workers close to eligibility thresholds may upgrade their credentials or negotiate higher pay to qualify.
Broader impact on the labor market
Analysts believe this system will improve transparency in hiring, attract highly qualified professionals, and provide greater predictability for expatriates. Sectors tied to megaprojects such as NEOM and Qiddiya are expected to benefit most.
Employers, meanwhile, are urged to create internal checklists to ensure accurate classification, proper accreditation, and compliance with salary thresholds.
Final recommendations for applicants
Experts advise workers to:
- Gather certified copies of degrees, licenses, and work experience letters.
- Schedule medical exams early at approved clinics.
- Double-check job titles and responsibilities to match official occupation codes.
- Maintain both digital and paper records for fast embassy processing.
With these changes, the Saudi Skilled Worker Visa 2025 promises a more structured, transparent, and reliable path for professionals seeking to build their careers in the kingdom—while giving employers the tools to recruit top global talent effectively.
