Saudi Arabia’s New Work Permit Rules and How to Check Your Iqama Profession Code 

Understand Saudi Arabia’s updated expat work permit system and a step-by-step guide to check your Iqama profession code via Absher, MOI, Qiwa, and Iqama card.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has revised its work permit system for foreign workers. Effective from July 1, 2025, for new entrants and from June 18, 2025, for existing expatriates, the reform introduces a classification framework based on occupational skill levels. The new policy divides foreign workers into three categories, high-skill, skilled, and basic.

From uniformity to targeted classification

Under the new structure, work permits are issued or renewed based on five core criteria: educational background, work experience, professional skills, wage level, and age. This replaces the one-size-fits-all approach with a more granular model.

Each category carries different eligibility requirements. For high-skill workers, the job role must fall under occupational groups 1 to 3, and candidates must pass the Professional Accreditation Program and a points-based evaluation.

Skilled workers are linked to groups 4 to 8 and must meet a salary threshold above the accreditation requirement.

Basic-level roles, those in occupational group 9, require accreditation and have an age cap of 60 years. This new classification applies across sectors and industries.

Employment absence reporting

Employers are allowed to submit “absent from work” notifications only when:

• The employee’s Iqama has at least 60 days of validity remaining;
• The employee is not under an active employment contract; and
• A 60-day grace period applies after the “disconnected from work” status is triggered.

Fixed-term contract changes

Employees now receive automatic notifications when their fixed-term contracts near expiry. A 60-day period is provided to either renew the contract, initiate a job transfer, or exit the Kingdom. If no action is taken within this window, the resulting status change is final and cannot be reversed.

Check your occupation in Saudi Arabia’s Iqama profession code system

Saudi Arabia has established a unified Iqama profession code list to classify all occupations in the labor market. This system serves as a common reference for job titles across local, regional, and international platforms.

The classification system is organized into 10 major occupation groups, with each category divided into smaller units and a defined number of occupations.

Step-by-step: How to search your Iqama profession code

For expatriates working in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that their Iqama profession accurately reflects their actual job role is essential to avoiding penalties during inspections. Whether you’re confirming a recent profession change or reviewing your current status, the Kingdom offers multiple official channels to access this information. Here are four ways to verify your Iqama profession, using both online platforms and your physical residency card.

Method 1: Check the profession on your physical Iqama card

The most straightforward method is examining your actual Iqama card, which contains your registered profession.

Step 1: Locate your Iqama card.
Step 2: Find the “Mehna” field, which is typically on the 8th line of the card.
Step 3: Read the listed occupation, which is what the authorities will refer to during any official checks.

Keep in mind that if your profession was recently updated, the card may not yet reflect the change until a new version is issued.

Method 2: Use the Ministry of Interior (MOI) portal

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior website allows expatriates to verify their profession online, provided they have an MOI account.

Step 1: Visit Ministry of Interior website.
Step 2: Log in using your credentials or register for a new account.
Step 3: Switch to English if necessary for easier navigation.
Step 4: Access your personal dashboard.
Step 5: View your current Iqama profession listed under your account details.

This method reflects the most up-to-date information in government records.

Method 3: Check via Absher platform

Absher is a widely used digital platform in Saudi Arabia for managing individual government services, including Iqama-related details.

Step 1: Go to Absher portal and log in to your account.
Step 2: Tap the three-line menu icon and select “Dashboard.”
Step 3: Click on “More Details” within your dashboard.
Step 4: Your profession will be displayed under the “Job Category” field.

This is one of the most accessible ways to verify if your recent profession change has been successfully updated.

Method 4: Confirm through the Qiwa platform

Qiwa is another government-authorized portal used for employment services and professional classification.

Step 1: Register at Qiwa portal or log in to your existing Qiwa Individual account.
Step 2: Navigate to your profile section.
Step 3: Your current Iqama profession will be listed clearly within the platform’s dashboard.

Qiwa is often used by employers and employees alike to verify employment information and ensure it matches ministry records.

Saudi Arabia is revamping its foreign labor strategy

According to Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi, this new system is aimed at improving workforce quality and transferring international expertise into Saudi Arabia’s labor market. By verifying that workers possess the skills and qualifications relevant to their job roles, the government intends to reduce skill mismatches and bring its labor systems closer to international benchmarks. This new policy also repelas any prior regulations that conflict with the current system.

The decision is part of a broader strategy under Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program to build a future-ready workforce. By classifying workers based on merit and not just employment status, the government hopes to promote innovation in the business sector, increase accountability in hiring practices, and support long-term labor planning.

Operational implications and next steps

The move also has operational ramifications. Employers in sectors like construction, logistics, healthcare, and retail, where a large portion of the workforce is expatriate, will need to review their staffing pipelines and budget planning. Those aiming to attract top-tier global talent may find the updated system facilitates a smoother and more credible recruitment process.

The inclusion of a Professional Accreditation Program as a baseline for all categories introduces a formal evaluation mechanism. This is expected to curb informal hiring practices and raise the baseline skill level in the private sector.

In brief

As the system rolls out, Saudi government is gathering feedback from various stakeholders, so further refinements are expected.

At a macro level, the reform is also a step toward improving Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness in global labor markets. By aligning its work permit framework with international norms, the Kingdom wants to position itself as a more attractive destination for qualified expatriates who are looking for long-term career opportunities.

Read more: Trump’s 90 Day Clock Is Up: Will GCC Become a Safe Bet for Global Investors?

This article was originally published on July 7, 2025, and last updated on September 1, 2025.

• Previous Article 阿联酋护照规定：2025 年的相关更新及出行便利
• Next Article New Oman Golden Visa Offers 10-Year Residency for Investors