Saudi Re-introduces provision for expatriates' profession change

Jeddah: The provision for changing expatriates' profession by private sector employees is resuming. The service, which was suspended for some time, will be available from 1 Muharram, as per a circular by Ministry of Social Development. The step is as a part of reactivating the employment market.

With the suspension of the provision, expatriate job seekers, who generally used to arrive on 'free visa' had to, but were able to, change their profession in their documents. 'Free visa' is common parlance for visas that guaranteed no employment, but ones issued by sponsors who took people not necessarily for their professions, but that enabled them to find jobs of their vocation. Their status was then regularized through the process of change of profession. However, later as part of intensifying Saudi-ization, that service was stopped for some time which is being resumed now.

As a precursor to the measure, private establishments were able to avail the service for profession change since Sunday. It will be granted in line with international criteria, namely the professional qualification of the individuals would be checked through computerized system. In the case of areas of engineering, health and accounting, candidates would also have to produce documents regarding practical training.

Application for change of profession is to be submitted via the portal of Social Development.