Changing a Worker's Profession

The Worker Profession Change Service available on Saudi Arabia’s Qiwa platform, under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, allows employers to submit requests to change or update the registered occupations of their expatriate employees to better match their real job functions or qualifications. This service ensures that employee occupational records align with residency documents and labor regulations.

The process starts with the sponsor or HR manager logging into Qiwa, selecting “Change Profession” under job management services, choosing the employee and a new allowed profession from the unified Saudi occupational classification. Some professions require professional licenses or certifications from official bodies like the Saudi Council of Engineers or Ministry of Agriculture depending on the field.

Requests are electronically sent to the employee for approval and reviewed by competent authorities ensuring all criteria are met. The fee for profession change is typically SAR 1,000 payable via the SADAD payment system. Upon approval, the system updates the employee’s official records including social insurance.

The service helps align workforce skills with occupational roles, supports Saudization policies, regulates labor market practices, and allows employers greater HR data management and compliance.

Importance

Ensures job title accuracy reflecting actual work performed.
Simplifies data updates and regulatory compliance.
Supports nationalization goals and labor market integrity.
Reduces legal violations from occupational mismatches.
Empowers organizations for effective human resources control.

Challenges

Completion of required documentation for profession changes.
Handling cases requiring special licenses or professional certificates.
Keeping occupational data current with sectoral shifts.
Securing employee approval and processing completion monitoring.