Latest news with #DiriyahGate
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
New visa rules in Saudi Arabia: Here's everything expats need to know
Saudi Arabia introduces a skill-based permit system, transforming the expat workforce/Image: File TL;DR: Saudi Arabia 's new visa policy now considers skills, experience, and salary. Expats are grouped into three levels: high-skilled, skilled, and basic. This change joins with Vision 2030 and big national projects like NEOM and Qiddiya. While professionals may benefit from this system, it could make life harder for low-wage workers. Companies face new compliance rules and documentation responsibilities. Change Has a New Name: Skill-Based Visas Ask any expat who's worked in Saudi Arabia over the last few decades, and they'll likely tell you the same thing: your job title often defined your life. Whether it was a cleaner, a technician, or a surgeon everyone held the same general residency permit, known as an iqama, regardless of their skill set. That era is now coming to a close. As of July 2025, Saudi Arabia has introduced a completely new work permit system that ranks foreign workers based on their actual qualifications, experience, and income levels. In simpler terms, it's no longer just about what's written on your job contract but what you bring to the table. The new structure breaks workers into three categories: High-skilled (specialists in engineering, medicine, AI, etc.) Skilled (those in technical trades and supervisory roles) Basic (labour-intensive jobs like driving, cleaning, or loading) Everything is being managed through the Qiwa platform, a digital system under the Ministry of Human Resources. The scoring system considers multiple factors, from education and professional history to age and monthly pay. Why This Change Now? This reform is tied to something far bigger, that is Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. T his national plan aims to push Saudi beyond oil and into sectors like tourism, technology, and more. And to get there, they need people who can build, code, design, and manage high-level professionals from around the globe. Projects like: NEOM (the futuristic $500B smart city) Qiddiya (a massive culture and entertainment destination) The Red Sea Project (a luxury eco-tourism site) Diriyah Gate (focused on restoring historical identity) These aren't your run-of-the-mill developments. They require talent that fits modern, niche roles: climate specialists, AI ethicists, or urban mobility planners. That's where the new visa tiers come in. The country wants to attract the right minds for the job. What If You're Already Working in Saudi? For expats already living in the Kingdom, the changes started taking effect in mid-June 2025, and the government has given employers a window until August 3 to update records. If you're a professional, this might actually work in your favour: Your experience and education could help with faster renewals You may have more job options across sectors Long-term residency and family sponsorships may be easier to secure But if your job falls under the basic category, you might find yourself facing: More documents to submit Delays in visa processing Potential complications when switching jobs or renewing your permit This shift doesn't necessarily mean anyone is being pushed out—it just means the criteria are tightening, especially at the lower end of the job market. A Look Back: How Saudi Arabia Handled Expats Before To understand where things are headed, it helps to revisit where they began. For decades, Saudi Arabia used the kafala system, where a worker's employer acted as their sponsor. The sponsor had sweeping control over many aspects of the worker's life, from contract renewals to travel permissions. By the early 2000s, the system started facing criticism, especially from rights organisations. And so, the government began tweaking it. First came Nitaqat in 2011, which rewarded businesses for hiring more Saudi nationals. Later, with Vision 2030, came bigger reforms introducing more job mobility, removing some exit visa restrictions, and slowly moving toward a digitised labour market. Now, with this skill-based model, Saudi Arabia is making its boldest move yet, one that's meant to fit the demands of a changing economy. What About Employers? If you're running a business in Saudi Arabia, this reform is a real operational shift. HR teams must now ensure: Educational credentials match job roles Salaries are aligned with the worker's assigned tier Contracts and employee titles are uploaded correctly in Qiwa Mistakes here won't just cause delays, they could result in penalties or rejection of visa applications. For larger firms, these processes might be manageable. But small and medium enterprises will need to adapt quickly or risk falling behind. Is Kafala Really Gone? While the skill-based model is a leap forward, not all older traditions have been removed. In practice, many expats especially in the lower skill brackets still need employer approval to: Leave the country Bring family members over Switch jobs This shows that while the system is evolving, it still has legacy issues that need ironing out. Will Remittances Be Affected? According to data from early 2025, expats in Saudi Arabia send back over SR12.78 billion ($3.4 billion) every month in remittances. Under the new system: Fewer low-income workers might enter, reducing overall numbers But more high-income professionals might send larger amounts individually This could reshape how money flows back to India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, some of the biggest recipients of Gulf remittances. The Bigger Picture: Going Digital, Going Smart This reform isn't happening in isolation. It's part of a larger digital transformation, which includes: The Professional Verification Program – Ensures all credentials are real before workers even arrive The Wage Protection System – Tracks salary payments in real time Platforms like Qiwa, Musaned, and Taqat – Handle everything from hiring to filing complaints The end goal through this mission is a labour market that is traceable, fair, and more efficient. The Verdict Whether you're a software developer from India, a nurse from the Philippines, or a construction worker from Bangladesh, this change affects you. For some, it may mean greater freedom, faster processing, and better benefits. For others, it might feel like an extra hurdle to stay in a country they've long called home. FAQs Q. What are the three skill levels in the new visa system? High-skilled (specialists like engineers), Skilled (supervisors), and Basic (manual labour roles like cleaners). Q. Can workers challenge their skill classification? Not directly. But their employer can submit updated documents and request a review through Qiwa. Q. Will this make it easier to bring family to Saudi Arabia? Yes, for workers in the high-skill tier, family sponsorship and long-term residency are more accessible.
Arab News
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Pakistani ambassador to Saudi Arabia meets with CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority
RIYADH: Ahmad Farooq, Pakistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, met with Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority in Riyadh. The meeting focused on strengthening Saudi-Pakistani ties in the field of heritage and culture, the Pakistani Embassy wrote in a post on X on Sunday. The ambassador presented Inzerillo with a painting from his own Diriyah-themed series, created to celebrate the Kingdom's history and heritage. He also presented him with a made-in-Pakistan FIFA-standard football 'symbolizing Pakistan's craftsmanship and the mutual spirit of friendship.'
Leaders
18-04-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Diriyah Awards $1.4bn Contract to Develop Royal Opera House
The Diriyah Co. has awarded a SR5.1 billion ($1.4 billion) contract to construct the Royal Diriyah Opera House, according to Arab News. The company has awarded the following three companies the contract: El-Seif Engineering Contracting Midmac Contracting Company W.L.L. The China State Construction Engineering Corp This new contract represents an integral part of a series of contracts that commenced at the beginning of the second quarter of 2025. The series stands as a testament to Diriyah's continuous efforts to develop the historic area on the outskirts of Riyadh. Signed by Diriyah's Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo, the ceremony highlighted the presence of Khaled Al-Hazani, Executive Vice President of the lifestyle sector at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), and representatives of the three companies. 'The Royal Diriyah Opera House will be a defining asset in Diriyah, which reinforces Diriyah's growing global role in shaping Saudi Arabia's artistic and cultural future, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals,' Inzerillo said. Set to be the largest opera in Saudi Arabia, the opera house will feature a 2,000-seat main hall. Managed by the RCRC, the hall will be the centerpiece of this cultural complex, featuring a theater, studio, rooftop amphitheater, and numerous multipurpose halls. With a total seating capacity of 3,100, this hub will reshape the Kingdom's cultural landscape. 'This contract is an important step in our journey toward building a diverse range of assets across the Diriyah development area,' Inzerillo added. He also noted that this iconic architectural landmark will play a critical role in gathering people and offering them unforgettable performances. Related Topics: Diriyah Art Futures Launches New Exhibition for Digital Artists MBS Project Revitalizes Al-Oudah Mosque in Diriyah Under Historic Initiative Diriyah Gate Highlights Community Spirit during Eid Al-Fitr Short link : Post Views: 1
Leaders
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Diriyah Gate Highlights Community Spirit during Eid Al-Fitr
The Diriyah Gate Development Authority has ignited the spirit of fun and joy through extraordinary experiences during Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, according to the Saudi Press Agency. During the early hours of Eid, families flocked to mosques to perform Eid prayers and enjoy a communal iftar meal and traditional dishes that reflect Saudi hospitality and generosity. Diriyah Gate Highlights Community Spirit during Eid Al-Fitr The Eid Majlis has welcomed residents and visitors and provided them with Saudi hospitality. Interestingly, the authority has showcased various Saudi Ardah performances to reflect the authenticity of the cultural heritage. Diriyah Gate Highlights Community Spirit during Eid Al-Fitr Set to run until the third day of Eid, the festivities feature joyful activities such as children's games, calligraphy, and other events in the historic district of At-Turaif and at the Bujairi Terrace. Diriyah Gate Highlights Community Spirit during Eid Al-Fitr Related Topics: Eid Al-Fitr 2025: Unparalleled Fireworks, Concerts, Food Festivities in Riyadh King Salman Performs Eid al-Fitr Prayers Jazan's Gold Markets Shine with Eid Shopping Frenzy Short link : Post Views: 37 Related Stories
Leaders
17-03-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia, Amazon Launch Cloud Computing Program in US
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has launched the AWS Builder Accelerator program to elevate national skills in cloud computing, according to Arab News. In collaboration with Amazon Web Services, the program seeks to empower participants and equip them with advanced AWS skills. Through an intensive four-week training at the AWS' headquarters in Virginia, US, the program offers an exceptional blend between theoretical learning and hands-on projects under the guidance of AWS experts. As for practical experiences, trainees will have the opportunity to work on real-world cloud computing projects and earn accredited certifications. Therefore, the initiative targets graduates in technical fields, particularly those in computer science and IT, with two to three years of experience. So, the program can boost their competitiveness in the cloud computing sector. Set to begin on June 16, the program will play a pivotal role in meeting market demands and strengthening the readiness of national talents to align with growing technological advancements. Crucially, applicants should be Saudi Arabia citizens employed in the private sector. Furthermore, they should bring a letter of employer approval upon final acceptance, according to the ministry's website. Related Topics: Diriyah Gate, Amazon to Foster Cultural, Tech Collaboration Saudi Arabia's PIF Slashes Stake in Amazon Saudi Arabia Boosts Strategic Partnerships with Amazon AWS Cloud in US Short link : Post Views: 10
