4 Easy Methods - How to Change Profession in Saudi Council of Engineers?

Changing your career within the Saudi Council of Engineers is a big step that needs to be carefully navigated through a structured process. Maintaining the integrity of the engineering profession in the Kingdom and advancing your career both depend on adherence to Saudi norms in a work market that is changing quickly. Professionals can better align their jobs and qualifications with the Saudi government's established legal systematic approach.

People can contribute to their professional development and the improvement of engineering standards in Saudi Arabia by facilitating a seamless transition to their desired profession by being aware of the prerequisites and essential measures. But when you think about the related information there are some questions that might be concerning for someone including How can I make changes to my Saudi Council of Engineers profile? How can the Saudi Engineering Council be contacted? By the end of this article you are capable of solving your query regarding your career with the SCE . So let's start to discuss them in detail.

4 Most Important Steps to Change Profession in Saudi Council of Engineers 

If you want to change your profession in the  Saudi council of engineers the certification is required. Also, there are some requirements in which the most 4 are stated below.

• Realizing the value of changing careers

• Eligibility requirements 

• Necessary records

• The procedure for application 

1. Realizing the Value of Changing Careers

For foreign workers in Saudi Arabia, it is essential that their occupation on their Iqama (residence permission) appropriately reflects their current position. In addition to being required by law, this alignment promotes adherence to the Nitaqat Saudization initiative, which gives Saudi citizens priority when it comes to employment prospects. In order to make sure that engineering professionals are qualified for their positions, the SCE is in charge of their registration and verification.

2.  Eligibility Requirements

Before starting the eligibility firstly discuss the certification requirement to change your profession

Required Certifications and Qualifications, For certain occupations, especially those that are subject to regulations, such as engineering, healthcare, and accounting, candidates must hold particular certifications and qualifications that correspond with the new job title; these are frequently verified by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, the Saudi Council of Engineers, and other regulatory organizations.For engineering, Membership of the Saudi Council of Engineers is required, for healthcare, License from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties is required.

As HRSD evaluates each application to make sure the employment function fits the applicant's professional and educational background, these certificates are necessary for acceptance. Processing delays or rejection may occur if these requirements are not met. After getting knowledge about certification requirements there other requirements you need to fulfil including:

1. Forming a SCE registration

• Current Registration: If you plan to pursue a career in engineering, you need to be registered with the Saudi Council of Engineers.

• New Profession Registration: You must finish registering with both pertinent professional organizations if you are changing your professional body (for example, from engineering to accounting).

Registration with Relevant Bodies

You need to register with the relevant professional body based on your new career:

• Register with the SCE for engineering positions.

• Register with the Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA) if you want to work in accounting.

• Health professionals need to sign up for Mumaris Plus

2. Educational Requirements

Attested Degree: You must have an attested degree in the field you want to work in. The SCE ought to accept this degree.

3. Exam for Professional Verification

Passing Requirement: To verify your credentials, you might need to pass a Saudi Professional Verification Exam, depending on your new career.

4.  Status of Work

Active Employment: Verify that "Pending service transfer" is not indicated for your employment status. You have to be physically present in Saudi Arabia and working at the moment. You must fulfill certain requirements in order to change your career.

5.  Payment of Fees

Processing charge: The application for a profession change must be processed for a charge of SAR 1,000. As the information regarding requirements are necessary and most important for the application to change profession, there is some essential paperwork that plays a vital role in understanding the procedure and discussed below.

3. Necessary Records

Before applying, collect the essential paperwork to ensure a seamless transition:

• Make sure the copy of your passport is valid and has at least six months left on it.

• A copy of your Iqama provides proof that you are a resident of Saudi Arabia.

• A letter from your employer attesting to your present job is called an employment letter.

• Your employer's letter of authorization, which permits the change.

• Attested Engineering Degree: Verify that the appropriate authorities have attested your degree.

• Grade Sheet: You might also need a copy of your academic record.

• A passport-sized photo is usually 200 by 200 cm in size.

• Provide a current version of your resume or CV that highlights your experience and qualifications.

After the understanding regarding requirements and paperwork essentials it's time to discuss the procedure for application.

4. The Procedure for Applications

There are 4 steps involved in changing your career:

Step 1. create an account on the Qiwa platform.

• Make an account: Register on the Qiwa portal, which offers a range of employment services in Saudi Arabia, if you haven't already.

• Sign in: To see notifications about your request to change your profession, log into your personal Qiwa account.

Step 2: Send in Your Request

• Get Your Documents Ready: Create a PDF file with all the necessary documents.

• Upload Documents: To upload your documents and submit your request for a change of profession, according to the guidelines on the Qiwa portal.

Step 3: Await Approval

• Verify Notifications: Following submission, keep an eye on your Qiwa account for any updates or requests for more information from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, or HRSD.

• Final Approval by MOL: Your application will be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Labor (MOL) following the completion of all checks.

Step 4:  Verification and New Iqama Issuance

Your employer will get confirmation of MOL's clearance and issue a new Iqama that reflects your altered occupation.

Typical challenges and Fixes in the Process of Changing Careers

There are 3 major challenges in the process of changing careers including

1. Rejection because of a Qualification Mismatch

Challenge: Rejecting applications because the applicant's qualifications don't fit the requirements of the new job title is one of the most common problems in the process of changing careers. This frequently happens in regulated industries with strict licensing and educational requirements, like engineering and healthcare.

Solution: Before applying for a new job, expatriates should carefully read the employment requirements in order to lessen this difficulty. They should make sure that all necessary professional licenses are up to date and valid, as well as that all educational credentials are appropriately attested. You can learn more about the qualifications required for particular roles by consulting with the HR department or a trained expert.

2. Limitations on Certain Occupations and Domestic Work

Challenge: In Saudi Arabia, some jobs are only open to Saudi nationals, especially in sectors like human resources and retail that are meant to encourage local employment. For expatriates who want to switch careers, this restriction may restrict their alternatives.

Solution: Companies should thoroughly investigate the list of occupations that are only open to foreigners. It can be made clearer which roles are acceptable for expatriates by using resources like the official website of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. While adhering to labor regulations, employers can also look into other positions that complement the expatriate's abilities.

3. Ensuring Compliance with Saudi Labor Regulations:

Challenge: Not complying with Saudi labor regulations can lead to delays, fines, or even legal ramifications. However, many expats struggle to comprehend and follow the applicable legislation governing changes in professions.

Solution: Employers and expatriates should educate themselves on the HRSD's labor rules and regulations. Gaining knowledge of the legal framework can be improved by taking part in workshops or training sessions provided by the HRSD or respectable consulting firms. Furthermore, using systems such as Qiwa can offer resources and real-time updates to guarantee compliance throughout the application process.

It might be difficult to navigate the Saudi Arabian career change process, but expatriates can improve their chances of success by understanding typical problems and putting smart solutions in place. A seamless transfer requires keeping up with regulatory standards, compiling the required paperwork, and seeking advice from qualified experts.

Conclusion

For expats who want to make sure that their Iqama accurately represents their current job function and qualifications, changing their profession with the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) is an essential step. 

Meeting certain eligibility requirements, such as being registered with the SCE, having an authenticated degree pertinent to your new career, and paying the required processing fee, is crucial for a smooth transition. Additionally, depending on the career you are moving into, passing the Saudi Professional Verification Exam can be necessary. Registering on the Qiwa website, submitting your request and the necessary paperwork, and waiting for Ministry of Labor approval are the main steps in the application process. 

In short, if you comprehend the rules and do the required actions, changing your profession with the Saudi Council of Engineers is a simple process. In addition to adhering to legal requirements, you can improve your career prospects in Saudi Arabia's competitive labor market by making sure that your Iqama profession appropriately represents your current position. To guarantee a smooth transition, think about contacting the SCE or your HR department directly for more help or questions.

Frequently Asked Question:

What is the price of changing careers in Saudi Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia, there is a 1,000 Saudi Riyal (SAR) cost to change your profession. After your application for a career change is approved, you will be required to pay this charge.

How can I modify my Saudi Council of Engineers specialization?

You can switch careers without using the SCE if you have a valid engineer's Iqama but no engineering certificate. After renewing your Iqama as an engineer, you must register with SCE and attach the Provisional Acceptance Letter if your Iqama has expired in order to change your profession.

What is the Saudi Engineering Council's contact information?

• Riyadh - As Sahafah - behind the Burj Rafal Hotel.

• Phone (+966) 011 2942999.

• Unified No. : 920020820.

How can the Saudi Council of Engineers' rejection be fixed?

If an expat enters the Kingdom on a visa for an engineering profession and applies to SCE but is denied because of non-compliance, they should apply to the Labor Office to convert their occupation to a suitable non-engineering profession.