Professional Accreditation Program in Saudi Arabia: A Pillar for a Reliable Labor Market and its Impact on Work Permits and Visas

Introduction

Saudi Vision 2030 emphasizes building a thriving economy and a vibrant society, with labor market development being one of the fundamental pillars to achieve these ambitious goals. The Kingdom is diligently working to enhance the efficiency and productivity of both national and expatriate workforces, ensuring that the needs of rapid economic growth and diversification are met. The existence of highly up-to-date regulatory documents, such as the "Guide for Classification of Work Permits by Skill Categories" dated July 2025 ¹, clearly indicates that Vision 2030 is not a static plan, but a dynamic framework driving continuous regulatory evolution. This ongoing development in regulations requires companies to stay informed and adaptable to ensure continuous compliance and maintain their competitiveness in the evolving Saudi market.

In this context, the Professional Accreditation Program emerges as a vital tool to ensure the quality of competencies in the Saudi labor market, through systematic verification of the qualifications and professional skills of workers. This report aims to provide a detailed overview of the Professional Accreditation Program, analyze its direct relationship with the issuance of work permits and visas in the Kingdom, and highlight the pivotal role of specialized companies such as Motaded Company in facilitating these complex procedures for businesses and investors.

Section One: The Professional Accreditation Program in Saudi Arabia: Enhancing Efficiency and Trust

The Professional Accreditation Program in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a strategic initiative aimed at elevating the quality and efficiency of the workforce, both national and expatriate. This program is an integral part of the Kingdom's broader efforts to create a robust labor market capable of adapting to global economic changes, as part of a package of labor programs designed to ensure the verification of workers' qualifications and skills and regulate their entry into the Kingdom. ²

Definition and Objectives of the Program

The Professional Accreditation Program is a service aimed at verifying that a professional worker possesses the necessary skills to perform their occupation, by undergoing tests in their specialized field. ³ The program's objectives extend beyond mere skill verification to encompass a broader vision for improving the labor market and enhancing the Kingdom's competitiveness.

The main objectives of the program include:

• Improving workforce skills: The program seeks to raise the level of professional competencies among workers, which positively impacts the quality of services and products offered in the market. ³

• Enhancing service quality and productivity: By ensuring the efficiency of workers, the program contributes to improving the overall performance of establishments and increasing their productivity. ³

• Reducing the influx of unqualified labor: The program reduces the entry of workers who do not possess the required skills, helping to mitigate challenges related to quality and performance in the labor market. ³

• Enhancing workforce expertise: The program ensures that professional workers possess the necessary qualifications and skills to improve the quality of Saudi labor market outputs. ⁴

• Maintaining quality in job performance: The program contributes to improving job performance and output quality by examining professional skills and verifying academic qualifications. ⁴

• Increasing overall productivity: As workers are fully prepared to perform their tasks professionally and efficiently, completing the requirements of the Professional Accreditation Program increases productivity. ⁴

• Adding competitive value to the Kingdom: The Professional Accreditation Program enhances the global competitiveness of the workforce in Saudi Arabia. ⁴

• Keeping pace with Saudi Vision 2030: The program aims to achieve sustainable economic growth by regulating and increasing productivity in the labor market. ⁴

The comprehensive list of program objectives, especially "adding competitive value to the Kingdom" and "keeping pace with Vision 2030," indicates that the Professional Accreditation Program is not merely a bureaucratic procedure, but a strategic national initiative. The program aims to elevate the Kingdom's global standing as a destination for talent and high-quality investment by ensuring a reliable and productive workforce. This approach represents a proactive step towards building a knowledge-based and competitive economy, where productivity and the attractiveness of foreign investment are enhanced by ensuring the quality of the workforce.

Key Components of the Program

The Professional Accreditation Program consists of two main services to ensure comprehensiveness and efficiency in skill verification:

1. Professional Examination: This component targets medium and low-skilled workers in professions that do not require specific academic certificates. Their skill level is assessed through practical and theoretical tests specifically designed for their field, which can be conducted before or after their arrival in the Kingdom. ²

2. Professional Verification: This component focuses on expatriate workers in high-skilled jobs, specifically occupational groups 1 to 3 according to the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations. The validity and alignment of their skills, experience, and academic certificates with the professional requirements of the Saudi labor market are verified through a fully automated electronic platform, with the process taking a maximum of 15 working days. ²

The distinction between "Professional Examination" and "Professional Verification" based on skill level (medium/low versus high) and assessment method (practical/theoretical tests versus document/experience verification) indicates a sophisticated and practical regulatory design. This tailored approach optimizes resource allocation and ensures the most appropriate assessment for each occupational category, enhancing efficiency and relevance. For example, manual trades may benefit from direct practical tests, while high-skilled professions rely more on verifying academic qualifications and documented experience. This differentiation avoids imposing unnecessary requirements and ensures the assessment of relevant competencies, making the program more practical and impactful.

Scope of Program Application

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development aims to enable employers to examine their workers through a wide network of over 127 professional examination centers distributed inside and outside the Kingdom. ⁵ Since its launch, the service has covered five major labor-exporting countries to the Saudi market: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Egypt, and the program continues to expand to include additional countries and professions, underscoring the program's ambition for comprehensive coverage. ⁵ The program currently targets over 1000 specialized professions belonging to 23 specialty fields as per the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations. ⁶

The extensive network of examination centers (over 127 centers) inside and outside the Kingdom, in addition to the gradual expansion to include major labor-exporting countries, indicates that this program represents a massive logistical undertaking. ⁵ This broad scope underscores the government's serious commitment to comprehensive implementation and its long-term vision for standardizing labor quality, implying significant investment in infrastructure and international cooperation. Implementing such a vast network requires extensive logistical planning, substantial financial investment, and diplomatic coordination with labor-sending countries. This level of commitment indicates that the Saudi government considers the Professional Accreditation Program a cornerstone of its long-term labor market strategy, aiming for global standardization of workforce quality rather than a limited pilot project.

The beneficiaries of the program include private sector establishments, professional workers, examination centers and technical institutes, employers, stakeholders, and the public. 

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Table 1: Components and Objectives of the Professional Accreditation Program

This table provides a comprehensive and comparative overview of the components and objectives of the Professional Accreditation Program, helping the reader understand the differences between Professional Examination and Professional Verification, and how each contributes to achieving the program's overall goals. This clear structure of essential information facilitates the comprehension of the program's complex details.

Section Two: Professional Accreditation and Work Permits/Visas: Integration for Market Control

The Professional Accreditation Program is an integral part of the regulatory framework for the Saudi labor market, closely linked to the issuance of work permits and entry visas, ensuring that the expatriate workforce possesses the required competencies and aligns with market needs.

Direct Link Between Professional Accreditation and Work Permit Issuance

The Professional Accreditation Program serves as a fundamental criterion for classifying work permits by skill categories, directly linking a worker's competency to their official classification in the labor market. ⁷ This direct integration of the Professional Accreditation Program into the work permit classification system (High-Skilled, Skilled, Basic) indicates a shift towards a more sophisticated, merit-based immigration and labor policy. This means that merely having a job offer is no longer sufficient; the worker's verified skill level directly determines their official classification, and thus their value and mobility within the Saudi labor market. This is a powerful mechanism for quality control and labor market segmentation.

Conditions for classifying work permits based on professional accreditation:

• High-Skilled Level: The worker must meet the Professional Accreditation Program requirements specified by the Ministry for main occupational groups 1 to 3 (managers, specialists, technicians, and associate professionals). Additionally, the worker's total wage must not be less than the minimum threshold set for this level, the profession must fall within these groups, and the worker must pass the points-based system based on academic qualifications, professional experience, and wages. ⁷

• Skilled Level: The worker must meet the Professional Accreditation Program requirements specified by the Ministry for main occupational groups 4 to 8 (clerical support workers, service and sales workers, skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers, craft and related trades workers, plant and machine operators and assemblers). The worker's total wage must also not be less than the minimum threshold set for this level, and the profession must fall within these groups. ⁷

• Basic Level: If the profession requires it, the worker must meet the Professional Accreditation Program requirements specified by the Ministry for main occupational group 9 (elementary occupations). Additionally, the age of the non-Saudi worker must not exceed 60 years. ⁷

The application of this classification includes all expatriate workers currently in the Kingdom, with the possibility of correcting the classification by verifying the exact matching of job titles in the documented work contract via the Qiwa platform. ⁷ The requirement for precise matching of job titles in documented work contracts via the Qiwa platform for both new and existing workers highlights the government's commitment to digital transparency and regulatory enforcement. ⁷ This reduces the potential for misrepresentation of skills and ensures that official records accurately reflect a worker's professional status, facilitating better data collection for labor market planning and compliance monitoring. This step reflects a modern, data-driven approach to labor management, leveraging technology to enhance compliance and strategic planning.

Relationship between Professional Accreditation and Work Visas

Work visas for targeted professions are directly linked to the worker passing the professional examination in their home country before coming to the Kingdom. ⁶ This ensures that expatriate workers possess the required skills before entering the Saudi labor market. The requirement to pass a professional examination before coming to the Kingdom to obtain a work visa represents a significant shift from reactive monitoring to proactive prevention in the labor market. ⁶ This pre-screening mechanism significantly reduces the risks of unqualified workers entering the labor market, saving employers time and resources in recruitment and training, and mitigating potential labor disputes or performance issues. This demonstrates a strategic commitment to efficiency and quality control at the earliest possible stage of labor migration.

General requirements for work visas issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA):

• Work permit document number issued by the Ministry of Labor in the Kingdom, which is an essential document for visa application. ⁸

• Matching the profession stated in the work visa with the profession specified in the employment contract, to ensure alignment between the advertised job and the worker's skills. ⁹

• Educational qualification certificates and work experience certificates, especially for specialized professions such as engineers, doctors, and nurses. These certificates must match the professional categories appearing in the work visa permit. ⁹

• Educational certificates and work experience certificates must be duly authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the worker's country and the relevant Saudi Embassy, to ensure their validity and official recognition. ⁹

• A certified medical report proving the worker is free from infectious diseases. ⁹

• A copy of the employment contract signed between the worker and the employer and certified by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ¹⁰

• A certificate of no criminal record. ⁹

Relevant Government Entities

The effective implementation and application of the Professional Accreditation Program require cooperation and coordination among several key government entities:

• Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD): This is the main entity responsible for launching and implementing the Professional Accreditation Program, defining its requirements, overseeing examination centers, and linking it to work permit classification. ⁵

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA): Cooperates with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in linking work visas to passing the professional examination in the worker's country, and is responsible for authenticating the necessary documents for visa issuance through Saudi Embassies abroad. ⁶

• Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC): A key partner in launching the "Professional Verification" program ⁶, indicating its pivotal role in the technical and training aspects of accreditation and verification processes.

The close cooperation between the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation underscores a holistic, multi-agency approach to labor market reform. ⁶ This integrated governance model ensures that policies (HRSD), international relations (MOFA), and technical assessment and training (TVTC) all align to achieve the national goal of a high-quality workforce. This coordinated effort enhances the program's credibility and applicability, making it a robust system for managing labor quality.

Table 2: Work Permit Classification and its Relationship with Professional Accreditation Requirements

This table provides a clear and simplified overview of the relationship between different skill levels and the Professional Accreditation Program requirements, in addition to the supplementary criteria needed for obtaining work permits. This visual presentation enables employers and HR professionals to identify the precise requirements for each job, facilitating compliance and strategic workforce planning.

Section Three: The Role of Motaded Company in Facilitating the Professional Accreditation and Work Visa Journey

Given the complexities of government regulations and labor market requirements in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specialized companies like Motaded Company emerge as vital strategic partners for businesses and investors. Motaded offers a range of services designed to simplify procedures and ensure compliance, particularly concerning professional accreditation and work permits/visas.

Motaded's Services in Supporting Businesses

Motaded provides comprehensive solutions to help businesses thrive in Saudi Arabia, including business setup services, free zone services, and investor visa assistance. ¹¹

Facilitating Visa and Iqama Issuance for Various Worker Types:

Motaded manages applications for all types of visas, including investor visas, temporary workers, and long-term employee residency, ensuring full compliance with Saudi immigration requirements. 11 Its comprehensive services include visa renewal and extension, and facilitating the issuance of Iqamas and work permits for employees. 11

Motaded aims to simplify the visa issuance process for investors and facilitate the attraction of foreign talent to meet the growing labor market needs. ¹¹ The visa process typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the visa type and specific requirements. ¹¹

Government Relations (PRO/GRO) Services and Government Platform Management:

Motaded offers professional Government Relations Officer (PRO) and Government Relations Officer (GRO) services for seamless handling of all procedures related to government agencies, including obtaining business licenses and permits and managing visa applications. 11 These services include managing all vital electronic government platforms such as Muqeem, Qiwa, Mudad, Social Insurance, and the Ministry of Commerce, to ensure accurate data management, updates, and compliance with regulations. 13

Motaded also provides document authentication services from official authorities such as Chambers of Commerce and Embassies, to ensure their acceptance in all official procedures. ¹³

Motaded's comprehensive services in government relations and government platform management (such as Muqeem, Qiwa, Mudad) position it as a vital intermediary for companies navigating Saudi Arabia's increasingly digitized regulatory environment. ¹³ This capability is essential for ensuring compliance with evolving labor laws, including those related to professional accreditation, as these platforms are the primary interface for managing workforce data and permits. In light of the Kingdom's digital transformation, the ability to effectively navigate these electronic platforms becomes crucial for businesses to ensure the accuracy of submitted data, timely permit renewals, and overall compliance with labor market regulations.

Motaded's Assistance in Overcoming Professional Accreditation Requirements

While available documents do not explicitly detail Motaded's services for directly helping companies pass professional accreditation requirements (such as providing training programs or test preparation), they do illustrate a crucial indirect but highly significant role. ¹¹

Exemption from Professional Accreditation for Certain Positions within Regional Headquarters (RHQ) License:

Motaded assists investors in obtaining the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) license in Saudi Arabia, a vital license for multinational companies. 15 One of the most significant advantages of the RHQ license is the "exemption from professional accreditation for some jobs." This feature offers substantial flexibility for companies seeking to establish their regional headquarters. 15 This license allows multinational companies to establish their regional headquarters in the Kingdom and manage business activities across the Middle East and North Africa region, offering other unique incentives such as a 10-year Saudization exemption, work permits for spouses, and extended residency for dependents. 15 Obtaining an RHQ license typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, making it an attractive option for companies looking to enter the market quickly. 15

Its Role in Assisting Multinational Companies in Obtaining RHQ License:

Motaded's mission, accredited by the Saudi Legal Authority, is to facilitate the investor's path to establishing and opening their company and obtaining the RHQ license in an ideal manner without future obstacles. 15

Motaded's ability to facilitate the acquisition of Regional Headquarters (RHQ) licenses, which offer an exemption from professional accreditation for some positions, represents a critical strategic advantage for multinational corporations. This is not about directly helping companies pass accreditation, but rather about navigating the regulatory framework to achieve exemptions, thereby simplifying talent acquisition for specific, high-level roles within regional headquarters. This positions Motaded as a strategic partner in facilitating foreign investment, rather than merely a provider of traditional compliance services. This aspect of Motaded's services reflects a deep understanding of available regulatory opportunities, allowing companies to optimize their operations and avoid certain requirements that might be complex or time-consuming.

Other Related Services

In addition to the above, Motaded offers other services that complement compliance efforts and facilitate market entry:

• Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Services: Motaded provides integrated recruitment solutions to identify and attract the best local and international talent to match company requirements, complementing professional accreditation efforts in ensuring the quality of competencies. ¹³

• Document Authentication: Providing document authentication services from official authorities such as Chambers of Commerce and Embassies. ¹³ This is crucial in the professional accreditation and work visa process, as many essential documents (such as educational and experience certificates) require authentication from Saudi Embassies or relevant government entities in the worker's home country. ⁹

  Motaded's document authentication services, particularly through embassies, are implicitly vital for the work visa process, which often requires authenticated educational and experience certificates. ¹³ While this service is not directly related to "professional accreditation" as a test, it

  enables the submission of required documents that feed into the overall visa and accreditation assessment.

• Consulting Services: Motaded covers legal, administrative, and financial consultations, including accounting and bookkeeping, to help companies navigate local regulations and ensure compliance. ¹¹ These consultations can be vital for comprehensively understanding professional accreditation and work visa requirements.

Table 3: Motaded Company's Services Related to Professional Accreditation and Work Visas

This table illustrates how Motaded Company's services integrate with the Professional Accreditation Program requirements and work visa processes. It demonstrates how businesses can leverage specialized expertise to ensure compliance and streamline complex operations, allowing them to focus on their core activities.

Conclusion

The Professional Accreditation Program in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represents a fundamental pillar within a broader strategy to develop a modern and efficient labor market, aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Through its main components, Professional Examination and Professional Verification, the Kingdom seeks to ensure the quality and efficiency of the workforce, both local and expatriate, and to limit the entry of unqualified labor. This program is not merely a regulatory procedure; it is a strategic tool to enhance the Kingdom's global competitiveness as a destination for talent and investment.

The direct link between professional accreditation and work permit classification, as well as linking work visas to passing the professional examination before coming to the Kingdom, reflects a shift towards a merit-based and proactive labor system. This integration among relevant government entities (Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Technical and Vocational Training Corporation) underscores a coordinated and comprehensive government approach to ensure the achievement of national labor market objectives.

In this context, specialized companies like Motaded Company play a vital role in assisting businesses to navigate this complex regulatory landscape. Through its comprehensive services in visa and Iqama issuance, government relations, electronic platform management, and assistance in obtaining strategic licenses such as the Regional Headquarters license which provides certain exemptions from professional accreditation, Motaded offers indispensable support. These services not only ensure compliance but also enable companies to achieve operational efficiency and capitalize on the opportunities offered by the evolving Saudi labor market.