
Saudi Arabia has launched an online platform for immediate use, called the Qualification Verification Program (QVP), to verify that certain foreign national applicants for a work visa have the necessary academic qualifications for the listed occupation prior to entering Saudi Arabia. Currently, the QVP platform must be used by those work visa applicants who are from countries that do not have a Saudi Cultural Attaché (62 countries in total) and also work in the following industries: agriculture; aviation; commerce; construction; contracting and construction; culture; education; energy; entertainment; financial; health; information technology or telecommunications; logistics; media; sports; tourism; and industry and mineral resources. Saudi authorities have not publicly listed which countries lack a Saudi Cultural Attaché and as a result, foreign nationals should consult their relevant Saudi consular post for more information. This is a new step in the work visa application process that is expected to take up to 15 days; however, it is unclear at this time whether the new system will increase or decrease processing times. The QVP process is expected to gradually expand to include foreign nationals from all countries and industries who are applying for work visas and is part of the Professional Accreditation program, which is included in Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to regulate its labor market. Prior to the implementation of this new system, there was no professional verification system. However, all foreign nationals continue to be subject to the requirement of legalizing their academic qualifications before submitting them as part of their work visa application, regardless of whether they qualify for use of the QVP at this time.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Media mentions

Media mentions
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Media mentions
Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Video
In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Podcast
Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Media mentions
Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Blog post
Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Media mentions
Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Media mentions

Media mentions
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Media mentions
Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Video
In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Podcast
Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Media mentions
Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Blog post
Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Media mentions
Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.