What changed, how to check your Iqama profession, and step-by-step actions you must take.
Overview — Why this matters
In 2025 the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) introduced a classification-based work permit system for foreign workers. This system groups foreign employees into High-skilled, Skilled, and Basic categories based on education, experience, salary and accreditation. For expatriates living in Saudi Arabia this is a major update: it affects job mobility, renewal rules, employer obligations and the day-to-day legal status tied to your Iqama.
Fast facts (at a glance) ⚡
- 📅 Rollout: Existing workers — effective June 18, 2025. New entrants — effective July 1, 2025.
- 🧭 Categories: High-skilled, Skilled, Basic.
- 🔍 Criteria: Education, work experience, professional accreditation, wage level, age.
- 📂 Iqama Profession Code: The system uses standardized occupation codes (10 groups, ~2,015 occupations).
- ⏳ Contract expiry: 60‑day window for renewal/transfer/exit on fixed-term contracts.
📊 Detailed Breakdown of Iqama Categories
🔹 High‑Skill
Typical Roles: Doctors, Engineers (Bachelor+), Senior IT Specialists, Managers
Education / Experience: ≥5 years experience; Accreditation or professional certificates often required
Salary: SAR 15,000+
Notes: Professional license/certification usually needed
🔸 Skilled
Typical Roles: Technicians, Supervisors, Foremen, Vocational Professionals
Education / Experience: Vocational / Secondary certificate, ≥2 years experience
Salary: SAR 7,000–14,999
Notes: Mid-level roles; may need specific vocational certification
🔹 Basic
Typical Roles: Entry-level, manual jobs, support staff
Education / Experience: Minimal formal education required
Salary: Varies; typically lower range
Notes: Age restrictions & salary thresholds may apply
Occupational Categories in Saudi Arabia
Jobs in Saudi Arabia are classified into different skill levels to guide employment opportunities and work eligibility. Each category specifies the target roles, experience, education, and salary expectations.
| Skill Level | Groups Covered | Typical Roles | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Skill | Groups 1-3 | Doctors, engineers, IT specialists, senior executives |
|
| Skilled | Groups 4-8 | Technicians, mid-level supervisors, craftsmen |
|
| Basic | Group 9 | Entry-level positions and manual labor |
|
Discover Your Occupation in Saudi Arabia’s Iqama Code System
Saudi Arabia uses a standardized Iqama occupation code system to classify jobs across the labor market. This helps maintain consistency for job titles locally, regionally, and internationally.
The system has 10 major occupation groups. Each group is divided into units, covering a defined number of occupations.
| Group Code | Occupation Group | Number of Units | Total Occupations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Armed Forces Roles | 3 | 18 |
| 1 | Management Professionals | 31 | 311 |
| 2 | Professional Specialists | 92 | 628 |
| 3 | Technicians and Associate Experts | 84 | 370 |
| 4 | Administrative Support Staff | 27 | 52 |
| 5 | Service and Sales Personnel | 39 | 109 |
| 6 | Skilled Agricultural and Fishery Workers | 18 | 53 |
| 7 | Craftsmen and Trade Workers | 66 | 179 |
| 8 | Machine Operators and Assemblers | 40 | 218 |
| 9 | Entry-Level and Basic Roles | 32 | 77 |
| Total | 432 | 2015 |
🔍 How to Check Your Iqama Profession & Classification (Step-by-Step)
-
💳 Look at Your Iqama Card — check the job title / profession field.
💡 Tip: Sometimes the Iqama label differs from your contract title. Always match the profession code, not just the wording. - 🌐 Use Absher / Qiwa / MOI Portals — login and verify your official profession code & permit type.
- 👔 Ask HR / Employer — confirm your occupational group & classification registered by your sponsor.
- 💰 Confirm Salary Structure — check whether you are on Gross salary or Basic + Housing, as it affects your job classification.
- 📌 Collect Supporting Documents — keep your certificates, experience letters, & professional approvals (e.g., PTW Receiver, licenses) ready.
Why classification matters for expats — practical consequences
- 🔒 Job mobility: Transfer rules, sponsorship changes and exit permissions are influenced by your category.
- 📈 Salary & benefits: Higher categories are associated with better wage expectations and wider benefits.
- 🛡️ Legal protections: The new labour law amendments expand protections but also increase employer compliance obligations.
- ⏰ Contract expiry: Fixed-term contracts come with automatic notifications and a strict 60‑day management window — don’t delay.
Common scenarios & what to do (Case studies)
Scenario A — You think you're under‑classified
If your role is supervisory/technical but your Iqama shows a basic entry-level profession: gather proof (role description, payslips, experience letters) and ask HR for re‑classification. If your employer resists, you can escalate through HRSD channels.
Scenario B — Contract nearing expiry
Start action at least 60 days before expiry: renew, transfer, or exit. If you wait until the last week you risk administrative status changes that are hard to reverse.
Scenario C — Employer non‑compliance
If contributions, registered salary or contract terms are incorrect, document everything and speak to the company HR. If unresolved, file a complaint with HRSD — but keep copies of correspondences and records.
Action checklist — Do this today ✅
- 📎 Download and save your employment contract and last 3 payslips.
- 🧾 Check your Iqama profession code on Absher / MOI / Qiwa.
- 💬 Talk to HR: confirm your category (High‑Skill / Skilled / Basic) and whether accreditation is required.
- 📥 Download GOSI and relevant government app statements (contribution certificates).
- 📅 Mark your contract expiry date on a calendar and set a reminder at 90 and 60 days.
SEO tips for republishing this post
If you publish this on your blog, include the following for search visibility:
- Use the exact phrase "Saudi work permit rules 2025" in the title and once in the first 100 words.
- Include subheadings with related keywords: "Iqama profession code", "HRSD classification", "expat guide Saudi".
- Provide a short FAQ block (structured markup helps) with 3–5 clear Q&As.
- Use internal links to other posts (GOSI, Absher guides) and authoritative government pages.
FAQ — Quick answers
- Q: Will my salary change because of these rules?
- A: The rules do not directly change salaries — but classification affects negotiation power and benefits. Ensure payroll matches your contract.
- Q: Can I change my category by myself?
- A: Classification is processed by HRSD and your employer; you should coordinate with your employer and present supporting documents.
- Q: What happens if my Iqama shows Huroob or an exit status?
- A: Huroob (absconding) is serious. If wrongly recorded, gather proof and contact HRSD or the Ministry of Interior immediately to contest the record.
Conclusion — Stay proactive
The 2025 reforms are an important step in modernizing Saudi Arabia’s labour market. For expats, the best protection is proactive documentation, confirming your classification early, and staying in dialogue with your employer. These steps preserve your rights and keep your Iqama status clean — which matters for travel, transfers and long‑term plans.
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