By Innovation-sa on March 24, 2025 in News
On October 15, 2024, the Saudi Council of Ministers approved updates to the regulations governing temporary work visas and services related to Hajj and Umrah. Thе Ministry of Human Rеsourcеs and Social Dеvеlopmеnt highlightеd that thеsе updatеs aim to providе thе privatе sеctor with grеatеr flеxibility in utilizing tеmporary visas, aligning with labor markеt dеmands and еnhancing thе attractivеnеss of thе labor markеt. Key changes include extending the eligibility for temporary work visas to establishments operating during the Umrah season and renaming the “seasonal work visa” to “temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services.” Additionally, the grace period for these visas has been extended from the 15th of Sha’ban until the end of Muharram.
The updated regulations also detail the operational mechanisms among relevant authorities and specify the timelines required to complete procedures, ensuring improved governance and transparency. To safeguard the rights of all parties involved, the regulations now mandate that a signed copy of the employment contract be provided and that medical insurance is secured before visas are issued by Saudi representations abroad.
A dedicated section on penalties has been introduced to prevent misuse of these visas. Furthermore, the requirement for endorsement when issuing a temporary work visa has been abolished, and facilities now have the option to extend temporary visas for an additional 90 days. These amendments are set to take effect 180 days from their approval date.