Changing Profession Conditions: Conditions for Changing

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia seeks to regulate the labor market in line with Vision 2030, which aims to improve the work environment and enhance efficiency and productivity. Among the important services provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, comesthe profession change service in Saudi Arabiawhich allows expatriates and Saudi citizens to officially modify their registered profession to match their skills and experience.

The system enables beneficiaries to change their profession electronically without the need to visit government offices, saving time and effort. However, there are severalconditions for changing profession in Saudi Arabiathat must be met to ensure approval of the request.

Conditions for Changing Profession in Saudi Arabia

The conditions for changing profession differ between Saudi citizens and expatriates, as the government imposes strict standards to ensure compatibility between qualifications and labor market requirements.

1. General Conditions for Changing Profession

• Valid residency: The expatriate’s residency must be valid when submitting the application.
• Employer approval: Profession change cannot be done without the current employer’s approval.
• Academic qualifications: The new profession must match the applicant’s academic qualifications and experience.
• Fee payment: The prescribed fees must be paid before approval of the application.
• Clean record from violations: It is required that there be no traffic or legal violations against the applicant.
• Updating social insurance data: It is necessary to ensure data consistency with social insurance.

2. Conditions for Changing Profession for Expatriates

• That the establishment where the worker is employed is within the green zone inNitaqat program.
• No labor violations recorded against the worker.
• Submit a certificate of experience if the new profession requires it.
• Meet the conditions of the new sponsorship, which requires the worker to transfer to a new employer if their profession is incompatible with the company’s activities.

3. Conditions for Changing Profession for Saudi Citizens

• The new profession must be available within the lists of permitted professions.
• It is necessary to pass vocational training if the profession requires it.
• Submit certified certificates proving experience in the new field.
• Compliance with the employment conditions specified by the Ministry of Human Resources.

Steps to Change Profession in Saudi Arabia

You can change profession in Saudi Arabia easily throughAbsher platformorQiyam platformby following the following steps:

1. Enter the Absher or Qiyam platformand log in with your personal account.
2. Select a serviceChange Professionfrom the list of electronic services.
3. Fill out the application form with the required information and attach the necessary documents.
4. Obtain approval from the employer through the electronic system.
5. Pay the prescribed fees through the electronic payment systemSadad.
6. Track the order status through the platform until it is successfully updated.

Required Documents for Changing Profession

To ensure a successful profession change, the following documents must be submitted:

• A copy of the national ID card or residence permit.
• An official approval letter from the current and new employer.
• An accredited educational qualification certificate from the relevant authorities.
• Experience certificate if required for the new profession.
• A record free of traffic and legal violations.

Profession Change Fees in Saudi Arabia

Fees vary depending on the beneficiary category and include:

• Government fees: Currently amount to approximately1000 Saudi Riyals, subject to change according to laws.
• Additional service fees: Additional fees may be charged if assistance services or fast transactions are utilized.
• Payment methods: Fees can be paid via“Mada” credit cards, or approved bank accounts.

Allowed Professions for Change and Restricted Professions

The Ministry of Human Resources determines the list of professions that can be changed easily, and other professions that require special procedures.

Professions Available for Change Without Restrictions:

• Retail and service sector professions.
• Administrative professions such as receptionist or sales representative.
• Technical professions such as electrician or mechanic.

Occupations That Require Special Approvals:

• Medical professions such as doctor or nurse.
• Legal professions such as lawyer.
• Sensitive positions in the government sector.

Cases Where Changing Occupation Is Prohibited:

• If the worker is registered as “absent from work” with the Passports Department.
• If the new occupation is not compatible with the business activities of the establishment.
• If the worker is employed in a specific government sector.

Processing Time for Occupation Change Request

The occupation change process usually takes:

• From 7 to 10 working daysWhen all documents are submitted correctly.
• The duration may increase if there are comments on the request or if additional reviews are needed.
• The applicant is notified of the transaction status via SMS or through the Absher platform.

Reasons for Rejecting Occupation Change Request

There are several reasons that may lead to rejection of the request, such as:

• Providing inaccurate information or forged documents.
• Incompatibility of the new occupation with the worker’s qualifications.
• Existence of legal violations that have not been settled yet.
• Failure to pay the required fees in full.

How to Inquire About the Status of Occupation Change

You can check the status of the request through the following methods:

1. Logging into the Absher platformand using the “Inquire about occupation change requests” service.
2. Reviewing labor offices or contacting customer service.
3. Using mobile HR applications.

Tips for Successfully Changing Careers

To ensure your application is successful, it is recommended to:

• Ensure the new career aligns with your qualifications and experience.
• Prepare all required documents before submitting the application.
• Review regulations and laws to avoid delays or rejection.
• Regularly follow up on your application status to ensure procedures are completed on time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Careers in Saudi Arabia

1. Can I change careers without my current employer’s approval?

• No, your current employer’s approval is a basic requirement for application approval.

2. How long does it take to change careers in Saudi Arabia?

• Usually 7 to 10 working days, but may extend in certain cases.

3. Are there careers that cannot be changed?

• Yes, such as government jobs or careers related to the health and legal sectors.

4. Can the application be submitted through the Absher platform?

• Yes, the application can be submitted electronically through the Absher or Qiyam platforms.

5. Can I change careers more than once?

• Yes, provided there are legal reasons and approval from the relevant authorities.

Conclusion

It is consideredchanging careers in Saudi Arabiaone of the services that contributes to developing individuals’ career paths and achieving compatibility with labor market needs. To ensure your application is successful, you must comply with allconditions for changing careers in Saudi Arabiaand submit the required documents accurately. If you need to change your career, you can start the process through theAbsher platformOrPower platformeasily and quickly.