Saudi Arabia Announces Skill-Based Work Visa System: Nationality No Longer a Factor
PoriPurno News Desk | August 04, 2025
In a groundbreaking shift, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially abolished nationality as a key criterion for foreign employment, replacing it with a new skill-based work classification system. Effective from August 3, 2025, all foreign workers seeking jobs in Saudi Arabia must now prove their qualifications, competencies, and professional certifications to be eligible for employment—regardless of their country of origin.
This policy marks a significant reform in the kingdom’s labor market and aims to prioritize talent, expertise, and professional merit over nationality.
Three Skill Levels Will Define Job Eligibility
Under the new system, all foreign job seekers will be evaluated and placed into one of three official skill categories:
1. High-Skill Professionals
Includes roles such as:
- Engineers
- Software Experts
- Physicians
- Senior Consultants
These professionals are expected to provide formal certifications, university degrees, and verifiable experience in their respective fields.
2. Skilled Workers
Includes positions such as:
- Office Assistants
- Accountants
- Trade License Specialists
- Research Analysts
Candidates in this category must present vocational qualifications or technical diplomas, along with work history documentation.
3. Basic-Level Labor
Includes roles such as:
- General Helpers
- Construction Laborers
- Drivers
Even in this category, applicants must now demonstrate basic competency, fitness, and relevant work exposure—mere possession of a passport will no longer suffice.
Visas Will Now Depend on Verified Skills, Not Just Sponsorship
Under the new regulations:
- Applicants must provide proof of skills through certifications, verified documents, and identity credentials.
- Work visas (Iqama) will be issued based on the skill category, and not merely through sponsorship.
- Salary scales, company assignments, and job titles will be determined in accordance with the worker’s official skill level.
The Saudi government has clarified that no company will be allowed to arbitrarily sponsor foreign workers. Sponsorships will now be tied to the candidate’s registered skill classification.
Digital Integration Through Qiwa, GOSI, and HRSD
To implement the new system effectively, Saudi Arabia will integrate all hiring and sponsorship data across its major regulatory platforms, including:
- Qiwa (labor platform)
- GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance)
- HRSD (Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development)
These platforms will now require companies to match job roles with skill levels, thereby ensuring transparency and proper workforce alignment.
A Golden Opportunity for Skilled Bangladeshi Workers
This new skill-based system presents a transformative opportunity for skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi workers. No longer will workers be judged by their nationality alone. Instead, genuine skill and professional discipline will open doors to jobs in leading Saudi companies.
Those who build their skillset today could soon become:
- Office Managers
- Client Relationship Officers
- Export Coordinators
- Company Representatives
However, this transition also serves as a warning to unskilled job seekers who rely on agents or shortcuts to obtain Saudi visas without real qualifications. Under the new law, such practices will no longer succeed.
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The Path Forward: Skill + Certification = Opportunity
Industry insiders note that while demand for skilled foreign workers is rising rapidly, companies are struggling to find trustworthy and certified candidates. This new law is Saudi Arabia’s response to that gap.
Job seekers are advised to:
- Identify their core skills
- Obtain proper training and certification
- Stay updated on job market requirements
- Avoid unofficial or unverified recruitment agents
Important Disclaimer
The information above is a translated and summarized version of the official Saudi labor regulations, intended to raise awareness among international job seekers. The writer is not affiliated with recruitment agencies and cannot offer visa support or employment services. This article has been published by PoriPurno.com in partnership with InvesiCure Institute, which offers legal support to businesses operating in Saudi Arabia.
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