The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides a Temporary Work Visa intended to facilitate the entry of foreign laborers for brief assignments. This visa permits individuals to engage in employment within the Kingdom for an initial duration of up to 90 days, with the option for a single extension of an additional 90 days, thereby allowing for a maximum stay of 180 days.
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Eligibility Criteria:
The Application for 2-Year Temporary Work Permit is to be made by fulfilling the following eligibility criteria that include:
- Age Factor: 18 years and above
- Medical Clearance: The medical tests are to be conducted aimed at proving the health suitability of the candidate.
- Valid Passport: The validity of the passport should be at least six months.
- Job Offer: Confirmation of job from a Saudi employer who would also act as a sponsor.
- Educational/Professional Qualifications: Depending on the type of job, relevant qualification/experience is required.
- No Criminal Record: A police clearance certificate may be required.
Requirements:
The application must be preceded by the achievement of a minimum medium green level in Nitaqat within the establishment. In this context, it demonstrates that the organization is dedicated to the localization of its personnel. The employer is able to verify eligibility and the balance of the visa on the Qiwa platform to ensure the maintenance of a favorable balance for issuance.
Qiwa offers convenience to organizations that may require additional resources beyond their current balance, through its transparent process for increasing the balance associated with a temporary work visa. By selecting the ‘Increase Balance’ option, an establishment is afforded the opportunity to select from a variety of visa packages available, some of which offer higher quantities at a reduced cost. Consequently, business processes can adapt or modify in response to the evolving requirements introduced by their projects. A comprehensive understanding of the cost structure is essential for effective budgeting. Short-term work visas are offered in various bundles, with the corresponding prices outlined as follows:
- 1 visa: 1,000 SAR
- 5 visas: 4,850 SAR
- 10 visas: 9,300 SAR
- 50 visas: 45,000 SAR
You can also create a custom package where you can choose a specific number of visas with a 10% discount. This is a good pricing strategy for businesses to have room for scalability of the workforce.
Benefits:
- Extended Work Duration: The permit allows foreign workers to stay and work in Saudi Arabia for up to two years, offering stability and longer employment opportunities.
- No Need for an Iqama (Residence Permit: Workers do not require an Iqama (residency permit), reducing paperwork and administrative costs for employers and employees.
- Multiple Entry Feature: The visa permits multiple entries, allowing workers to travel in and out of Saudi Arabia without restrictions during its validity.
- Simplified Application Process: Employers can apply for the permit through the Qiwa platform, with no need for attested educational certificates or additional employee documentation.
- Cost-Effective for Employers: The visa fees are reasonable, with options for employers to buy permits in bulk at discounted rates, making it a cost-effective solution for short-term workforce needs.
- No Mandatory Medical or Biometric Requirements: Unlike traditional work visas, this permit does not require a medical examination or biometric verification, speeding up the approval process.
- Flexibility for Seasonal or Project-Based Work
- Ideal for industries like construction, healthcare, hospitality, and seasonal agriculture, where short-term employment is required.
- No Wage Protection System (WPS) Compliance Requirement: Employers can hire temporary workers without the need for full compliance with the Wage Protection System (WPS), simplifying payroll management.
- Improved Workforce Mobility: The visa allows workers to quickly join projects and return home once the job is completed
Steps after Application for Visa:
Upon the completion of the visa issuance process, the establishments are required to direct the non-Saudi employees to Enjaz and proceed with the recruitment process in accordance with the regulations established by the Ministry of Interior pertaining to the employment of non-Saudi workers.
Cancellation and Refund Procedures:
The Group Manager or Establishment Delegators are authorized to request the cancellation of a visa application through the Qiwa platform, should such a cancellation be deemed necessary. Returns and refunds for packages are permitted within a period of 30 days from the date of purchase, contingent upon the condition that they have not been utilized in relation to the issuance of a visa. This typically allows for a degree of flexibility for enterprises should circumstances change.
Application Process
The process of issuing temporary work visas is easy and can also be done over the Qiwa platform:
- Please access your corporate account via the Qiwa portal.
- Within the Services category, please select the option for Instant Work Visa.
- Against the Temporary Work Visas section, select ‘Issue visa.’
- Please provide the specific details for each individual, including their occupation, gender, nationality, embassy affiliation, and religious beliefs.
- Please indicate the quantity of visas required, and subsequently select on ‘Add visa details.’
- To submit additional visa requests, please select the ‘Add Subsequent Visa Request’ button to upload further applications.
- Please meticulously review the payment details, ensuring they align with the Terms and Conditions of the Qiwa Platform, before proceeding with the submission.
Conclusion
The Temporary Work Visa in Saudi Arabia represents the nation’s dedication to facilitating prompt and globally integrated labor. The Kingdom enhances this process by providing ease of use, transparent pricing structures, and intuitive platforms designed to facilitate the integration of international talent for short-term projects within the country. Organizations seeking to maneuver through the complexities of bureaucracy associated with international workforce management discover a distinctly streamlined avenue of efficiency through the Saudi Arabia Temporary Work Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Is Saudi Arabia approves flexible rules for temporary work visas?
In 2020, Saudi Arabia introduced major labour reforms, drastically improving its sponsorship system. The reforms, which went into effect in the ensuing year, allow job mobility and regulate the exit and re-entry visa issuance for expatriate workers without employers’ approval.
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What is the duration of temporary work permit?
Temporary Work Permits can be issued for validity periods of 3, 6 or 12 months. Subject to subsection. a Temporary Work Permit can be renewed indefinitely upon payment of the applicable fees as prescribed in rules by the Board.
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What are the new rules for work visa in Saudi Arabia?
Individuals seeking a Saudi Arabian work visa must now undergo pre-verification of their professional and academic qualifications. This new requirement supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance its labour sector and maintain high standards, aligning with the Vision 2030 initiative, says a TOI report.
