<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="false"><li>Saudi Arabia has implemented a new skill-based work-permit system for foreign workers effective 1 July for new arrivals and 18 June for existing workers.</li><li>Expatriates are grouped into three categories—highly skilled, skilled, and basic—based on various criteria like qualifications, experience, and wage levels.</li><li>The system aims to attract specialized global talent for Saudi Arabia's giga-projects and reduce skill mismatches.</li><li>The new system complements the existing Professional Verification Programme and is expected to enhance hiring transparency and support the Kingdom's shift to a more skilled economy.</li></ul>

Saudi Arabia launches skill-based work-permit system for expats

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