Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of a new residency program aimed at attracting top foreign professionals, offering them permanent residency and exemption from the Nitaqat labor monitoring system. The initiative, called the Special Talent Residency, is set to begin in 2026 and is designed to reshape skilled migration in the country.
The program will provide eligible foreign professionals with the opportunity to obtain permanent residency, a significant incentive for international talent. Participants will also be exempt from the Nitaqat system, which currently requires employers to monitor the labor participation of their employees. This exemption is intended to make the country more attractive to high-skilled workers.
The initiative follows Saudi Arabia’s broader economic reforms, including Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment. The government has been working to improve the business environment and make the country a more appealing destination for international professionals. The Special Talent Residency is part of these efforts to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global talent market.
