In a major policy shift aimed at streamlining labour entry and boosting workforce efficiency, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of a new skill-based work visa system, set to take effect from August 3. The initiative is expected to redefine how foreign workers are recruited into the country, with a clear focus on qualifications, professional expertise, and verified competence across different sectors.
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development disclosed that under the revised system, foreign workers will be classified according to their professional skill levels. This categorisation is intended to match applicants more precisely with job roles that align with their actual experience and training, thereby reducing skill mismatches and improving productivity within the kingdom’s labour market.
According to officials, the classification will rely heavily on international standards and certifications, including data from the Saudi Professional Verification Program (SVP), which has already begun screening foreign technicians and professionals in selected countries. The verification process ensures that those seeking employment in Saudi Arabia are adequately trained and equipped to contribute meaningfully to the country’s fast-evolving economic landscape.
The implementation of the skill-based visa is part of broader labour market reforms tied to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, a national strategy to diversify the economy beyond oil dependency and strengthen local industries. Authorities have stressed that the new system will help eliminate fraudulent employment practices, reduce the inflow of unqualified labour, and offer a more transparent hiring framework for both employers and workers.
Prospective foreign employees from countries including Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, which collectively supply a significant portion of Saudi Arabia’s expatriate labour force, are advised to undergo required verification procedures ahead of the August 3 rollout. Skilled professionals in fields such as construction, engineering, healthcare, IT, and technical services stand to benefit the most, as the policy favours verifiable qualifications and experience.
Employers in Saudi Arabia will also be expected to align their recruitment practices with the new system, ensuring that job offers are extended only to candidates whose skill levels have been confirmed by recognised institutions or assessment centres approved by the Saudi government.
Labour migration experts view the policy as a positive step towards protecting the rights of skilled foreign workers, offering them greater job security, clearer contracts, and the potential for career growth within the Kingdom’s expanding non-oil sectors.
As the August 3 start date approaches, job seekers hoping to take advantage of the new visa system are urged to begin the documentation process promptly and consult official Saudi labour channels for updates on eligibility and assessment procedures.
