How to check and correct your skill level
Classification is automated and shown in the establishment’s account on Qiwa. Workers whose level does not reflect their real job can ask for a correction:
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Step 1: Ask your employer for the level shown in Qiwa
The level is displayed in the employer’s Qiwa establishment account. HR can confirm your current classification.
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Step 2: Check your Qiwa contract details
Sign in to your Qiwa individual account and review the occupation and wage in your documented contract. Most misclassifications come from an outdated job title or wage.
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Step 3: Fix the occupation or wage first
If the occupation is wrong, your employer can submit a profession-change request, which you accept in Qiwa. If the wage is wrong, the contract must be updated.
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Step 4: Complete professional accreditation if required
Qualification verification applies to groups 1–3, and skills verification (a practical and theoretical test) to groups 4–8 and some group 9 jobs.
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Step 5: Request the correction
Once your records meet the criteria for the higher level, a correction request can be submitted and the classification is updated if the criteria are met.
The three skill levels
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) classifies every non-Saudi work permit into one of three levels, based on the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations, which divides jobs into nine main groups.
High-Skilled: the occupation must be in main groups 1 to 3 (managers, specialists, and technicians and associate professionals). The total wage must meet the ministry’s minimum for high-skilled roles in that economic activity, the worker must meet professional accreditation requirements, and the worker must pass a points-based test built on qualifications, experience and wage.
Skilled: the occupation is usually in groups 4 to 8 (clerical, service and sales, agricultural, craft and trades, and machine operators). The wage must meet the skilled minimum and the worker must meet accreditation requirements. A group 1–3 job is also classed as skilled if the wage is below the high-skilled threshold.
Basic: the occupation is in group 9 (elementary occupations), accreditation applies where relevant, and the worker must be no older than 60. Jobs in groups 1–8 fall into basic if the wage is below the skilled threshold.
How the high-skilled points system works
For the high-skilled level, the ministry awards points for academic qualifications, professional experience and wage. If the total exceeds the ministry’s threshold, the permit qualifies as high-skilled. The system is flexible: a strong score in one criterion can make up for a weaker score in another.
The official guide does not publish fixed salary figures. Wage thresholds are set by the ministry per economic activity, so be cautious of websites that quote a single nationwide salary for each level.
Why your skill level matters
The classification is part of how HRSD manages recruitment and the distribution of skills in the labour market. Your level reflects your official occupation, so keeping your Qiwa profession and wage accurate also helps with employment certificates, transfers and future visa or family procedures that rely on your recorded job.