Qiwa (Saudi Ministry of Human Resources platform)

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development describes Qiwa as "the main digital platform for all services of the Saudi labor system", the unified interface for transactions between employers, workers and the ministry. For a foreign engineer, it is where your employment contract and work permit sit, and where you can see them for yourself rather than taking someone's word for it.

Who it is for

A CS graduate from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt or Nigeria who has an offer from a Saudi company, or who is already working there. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in technology, and cloud and cybersecurity roles are among the hardest to fill. Hiring still favours experienced people and Saudi nationals for many roles, so go in with your eyes open.

How to use it

• Create your individual account once you are in the country. Qiwa has separate areas for businesses and individuals. As an employee you can view your contract and the details your employer has registered.
• Check your contract matches your offer. Job title, salary, allowances and the contract term should match what you agreed. If anything differs, raise it before you accept it on the platform.
• Keep your own copies. Download or screenshot your contract and permit details, and keep them with your passport copies.
• Use official support. Help and complaint routes are on qiwa.sa and hrsd.gov.sa. You should not need a paid middleman.

Saudization (Nitaqat) in plain words

Saudi Arabia runs a Saudization programme, known as Nitaqat, which sets how many Saudi nationals companies in each sector and size band must employ. Some professions are reserved for Saudis. In practice this means a company's ability to hire from abroad depends partly on its Saudization standing. The detailed percentages change by sector and over time, so we do not list them here: check the ministry's current rules on hrsd.gov.sa if you need them.

Common mistakes and scams

• Paying for a visa or a job. In Saudi Arabia, the employer is responsible for recruitment and permit costs. Walk away from anyone asking you to pay for an offer or a visa number.
• Arriving without a registered contract. Make sure your contract will be registered, and check it on Qiwa once you can.
• Believing a fake "Qiwa" link. Only log in at qiwa.sa. Look for the address in your browser before typing your details.
• Ignoring the contract term. Know your notice period and end date before you sign.

Where to go next on Sefism

• Plan the move step by step with the Tech jobs abroad roadmap and keep its cheat sheet open while you apply.
• Read How to find companies that sponsor visas.
• Thinking longer term? See Saudi Premium Residency.