Introduction: Nitaqat Program
Are you confuse about your company Nitaqat color. You are not alone. Many people working in Saudi Arabia do not understand this important system. The Nitaqat program is like a report card for companies: Red, Green, or Platinum. This grade affects your visa, job security and career. So don’t Worry I will explain everything about Nitaqat colors. So Lets Started.
What is Nitaqat Program and Why Does It Matter
Nitaqat is a Saudi government program that classifies companies based on how many Saudi employees they hire. Every company in Saudi Arabia gets a color status: Red, Green or Platinum.
Your company color status directly affects your job. It determines whether your visa can be renewed, whether you can change jobs and whether your sponsorship can be transferred. Understanding Nitaqat is important for everyone working in Saudi Arabia.
The Three Color Levels Explained
Red Category: Non-Compliant
Red means the company does not have enough Saudi employees for its size.
What Red companies cannot do:
- Hire new foreign workers
- Renew work permits for foreign workers
- Change a worker job classification
- Get new visas approved
Red companies face penalties and possible closure by Ministry. If you are working in a Red company. Your future employment is uncertain.
Green Category: Compliant
Green means the company meets Saudi hiring requirements. Green companies have three levels:
Low Green: Can renew existing work permits Cannot hire new foreign workers Limited sponsorship privileges
Medium Green: Can hire new foreign workers Can change worker job titles Can transfer sponsorships Can renew work permits Better government services
High Green: Near-perfect compliance Fast-tracked visa and sponsorship services Easy transfer processes Renew work permits quickly
Green is most common status and means the company is doing well.
Platinum Category: Top Tier
Platinum is highest achievement. These companies have excellent compliance records.
- Fast-track work visa approvals
- Easy sponsorship transfers
- Priority government services
- Access to special government projects
Working for a Platinum company is best situation for foreign workers.
What Each Status Means in Practice
Red Company = High Risk
Cannot sponsor new workers Cannot renew existing visas Visa and employment issues common Career advancement difficult
Green Company = Normal Operations
Can hire and renew workers Can transfer sponsorships Standard government services Safe employment conditions
Platinum Company = Best Opportunities
Fast visa processing Easy sponsorship transfers Premium government services Better employment stability
Why Companies Get Different Colors Status
Companies get different colors based on their industry and size. A large company needs more Saudi employees than a small company. An oil company has different targets than a retail company.
The Ministry evaluates companies monthly. A company’s color can change if it hires or loses Saudi employees. Companies can improve their status by hiring more Saudis.
Key Differences You Need to Know
Red companies cannot move forward with hiring or visa renewals. Green companies operate normally with standard privileges. Platinum companies get special treatment and fast-tracked services.
Your company status affects your employment security, visa renewal timeline and career flexibility in Saudi Arabia.
Final Thoughts
Nitaqat program is foundation of Saudi labor law. Understanding it helps you make better decisions about which companies to work for. Before accepting a job always check the company color status.
Remember: Green and Platinum are good. Red means risk.
Do you work for a Green, Red or Platinum company. Share your experience in comments. I would love to hear your story. 😊
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