Riyadh, July 7 -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia'sMinistry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has introduced a new skill-based classification system for expatriate work permits, categorising them into three levels: high-skilled, skilled, and basic.

In a post on X, the ministry said that this initiative aims to regulate the labour market, strengthen human capital, and create a more competitive and innovative business environment. The reform aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Programme.

Implementation stages

The new system took effect on June 18, 2025, and will be rolled out in two stages:

Phase 1: Existing workers (effective from July 5, 2025)

This phase applies to expats current...