Guide to Saudi Arabia's Skill-Based Classification System (SSCO)

The old method of dividing expat professions into simple "professional" and "non-professional" categories is gone. In 2026, Saudi Arabia is fully enforcing the Skill-Based Classification System, aligned with the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO).

This system directly determines your work permit eligibility, Iqama renewal fees, and your professional status in the Kingdom.

The Three-Tier Skill System Explained

Every expatriate worker in Saudi Arabia is now evaluated against five main criteria: educational qualifications, years of verified experience, professional licensing, wage level, and age. Based on this, they are grouped into three distinct tiers:

[Tier 1: High-Skilled] ➔ Degree + 5+ Years Exp + Salary SAR 15k+ (e.g., Doctors, Senior Engineers)

[Tier 2: Skilled] ➔ Diploma/Degree + Licensing/Exam (e.g., Technicians, Nurses, IT Staff)

[Tier 3: Basic/Labor] ➔ Basic Skills + Vocational Trade Test (e.g., Electricians, Plumbers, Drivers)

Why "Mehna" (Profession) Accuracy Matters in 2026

The profession printed on your physical Iqama or visible on your Qiwa/Absher dashboard (Mehna) must exactly match the job you actually perform.

• The Risk: Mismatches between your actual role and your registered Iqama profession are treated as serious labor violations.

• Professional Licensing: Fields like Engineering (SCE) and Healthcare (SCFHS) require active professional licenses to remain in Tier 1 or Tier 2. Without them, your Iqama renewal will be blocked.

How to Check Your Status

Log into your Qiwa profile or ask your company's HR department to confirm your assigned SSCO Tier. If your tier is lower than your actual qualifications, your company must initiate a "Profession Change" (Taqyeem) request immediately.