Saudi Arabia's economic transformation program — Vision 2030, launched in 2016 — is not just a plan for fiscal diversification. It is the simultaneous construction of a modern economy in 15 years: tourism infrastructure, smart cities, manufacturing, and top-tier healthcare. Executing it demands talent the Saudi market cannot absorb on its own within the planned timelines.
Estimates from the Saudi Human Resources Development Fund put the need for additional international workforce at between 300,000 and 500,000 professionals for 2024-2030.
The 8 waves of international workforce
1. Health and life sciences
The expansion of the public health system demands specialist doctors and nurses. The regulator is the SCFHS (Saudi Commission for Health Specialties), which requires degree verification, a license, and often a clinical competency exam. The main origin corridor is the Philippines (nursing); the Latin American corridor is growing in medical specialties.
2. Construction and engineering
NEOM, Red Sea, Diriyah Gate, and Qiddiya need civil and structural engineers and project managers, with delivery deadlines in 2028-2029. Degree verification is handled by the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE).
3. Tourism and hospitality
The target is 150 million tourists a year by 2030. Hospitality profiles are mostly international. For these non-regulated profiles, Booka's Trust Agent handles the verification of international certifications.