Iqama Profession Codes and Work Permits in Saudi Arabia: What Every Expat Needs to Know?

Saudi Arabia has taken a major step in modernizing its labor market with the introduction of updated work permit rules for expatriates.

Effective from June 18, 2025, for current employees and July 1, 2025, for new entrants, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has implemented a classification-based framework that prioritizes skills, experience, and professional accreditation.

This reform is part of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program, aiming to enhance workforce quality, reduce skill mismatches, and align the labor market with international standards. 

- Understanding the New Work Permit Classification System 

Under the new framework, foreign workers are categorized into three main skill levels: high-skill, skilled, and basic. Each category has distinct eligibility criteria based on educational qualifications, professional experience, wage level, and age. The system replaces the previous uniform approach with a more granular, merit-based model. 

• High-skill workers (occupational groups 1–3) include doctors, engineers, IT specialists, and corporate executives. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree or higher, over five years of relevant experience, a minimum monthly salary of SAR 15,000 (US$3,997), and a points-based evaluation with professional accreditation.

• Skilled workers (groups 4–8) cover technicians, mid-level supervisors, and craftsmen. They must have at least a secondary or vocational certificate, more than two years of experience, a salary ranging from SAR 7,000–14,999 (US$1,865–3,997), and professional accreditation. 

•  Basic-level workers (group 9) occupy entry-level or manual labor roles, with a maximum age of 60, no formal education requirement, a salary of SAR 3,000–6,999 (US$799–1,865), and professional accreditation. 

This classification aims to ensure that employees are matched with roles suited to their qualifications, while providing employers with a clear structure for recruitment, compensation, and compliance.

- Iqama Profession Code System 

Saudi Arabia has standardized a unified Iqama profession code system to classify all occupations in the labor market. The system includes 10 major occupational groups subdivided into smaller units, totaling 2,015 recognized professions. Examples of major groups include managers, professionals, technicians, service and sales workers, and elementary occupations. 

- How to Check Your Iqama Profession Code? 

Ensuring your Iqama reflects your correct profession is critical to avoiding penalties. Expatriates can verify their profession through four official methods: 

1. Physical Iqama Card: Check the “Mehna” field on your card. This reflects the occupation used by authorities during inspections. 

2. Ministry of Interior (MOI) Portal: Log in to your MOI account to view the latest profession details online. 

3. Absher Platform: Use the “Dashboard” and select “More Details” to see the job category registered under your account. 

4. Qiwa Platform: Check your profile section in the Qiwa portal, which displays up-to-date professional classifications. 

Accurate classification is essential for contract renewals, work permits, and compliance audits. 

- Implications for Employers and Expatriates 

Employers and investors planning for business setup in the KSA across construction, logistics, healthcare, and other sectors will need to align staffing pipelines with the new categories, ensuring that salaries, skills, and qualifications meet the updated standards.

The introduction of the Professional Accreditation Program also standardizes competency evaluations, promoting merit-based hiring practices. For expatriates, understanding these rules ensures smoother visa processing, accurate professional representation, and eligibility for higher-skill roles with competitive compensation.

- Impact on Saudi Arabia’s Labor Market 

Saudi Arabia’s updated work permit rules and Iqama profession code system represent a transformative step in labor market modernization. By introducing skill-based classifications, clear professional codes, and robust compliance measures, the Kingdom is ensuring that its workforce is future-ready and aligned with global standards

For expatriates and employers alike, staying informed and compliant with these regulations is critical to optimizing career prospects and operational success. 

Company formation in Saudi Arabia and navigating work permits have never been more structured and strategically significant. Employers and employees who leverage these changes can ensure smoother operations, better workforce planning, and sustainable growth in the Kingdom.