Saudi Arabia Approves Flexible Rules for Temporary Work Visas
The Saudi government has introduced new regulations aimed at enhancing flexibility in the temporary labor visa system, a move expected to make the job market more appealing.
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These updated rules pertain specifically to services related to the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage and the Umrah minor pilgrimage. The decision was made during a recent meeting chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources highlighted that the changes will allow the private sector to adapt the use of temporary visas to better meet its needs and the demands of the labor market.
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This is particularly relevant for businesses that operate during the Umrah season.
Key features of the new regulations include an extended grace period for visa-related activities, which will now run from the 15th of Shaban until the end of Muharram, marking the start of the Islamic year.
Additionally, the rules reinforce the rights of both employers and employees by mandating that a signed copy of the employment contract and medical insurance be provided as prerequisites for visa issuance.
Establishments will also benefit from increased flexibility, as the duration of temporary visas can now be extended by an additional 90 days. These amendments are set to take effect 180 days following their approval.
With a population of 32.2 million, Saudi Arabia is home to a large expatriate community. The kingdom is focused on regulating its labor market to enhance its attractiveness and competitiveness.
In August, the government enacted significant labor reforms aimed at protecting contractual rights, adjusting notice periods for terminating employment contracts to 30 days for employees and 60 days for employers.
These developments follow major reforms introduced in 2020 that improved the sponsorship system and allowed greater job mobility for expatriate workers, including the ability to manage exit and re-entry visas without employer approval.
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