Temporary Work Visa Now Available for Businesses in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has launchеd a nеw tеmporary work visa, offеring businеssеs a strеamlinеd way to bring in forеign profеssionals for short-tеrm assignmеnts. Thе initiativе, announcеd by thе Ministry of Human Rеsourcеs and Social Dеvеlopmеnt, is part of thе Kingdom’s broadеr еfforts to modеrnizе its labor markеt and support еconomic divеrsification undеr Vision 2030.

Overview of the Temporary Work Visa

The temporary work visa allows companies to hire skilled foreign workers for up to 90 days, with an option to extend for another 90 days. The process is fully digital, enabling employers to apply and manage documentation online. This new visa is designed to address urgent business needs, such as project-based work, seasonal demand, or specialized expertise that may not be available locally.

Eligibility and Application Process

Key points regarding eligibility and the application process include:

• Employer Requirements: Businesses must be registered and compliant with Saudi labor laws.
• Sectors Covered: The visa is available across various industries, including construction, technology, healthcare, and hospitality.
• Documentation: Employers need to provide details about the project and demonstrate the necessity for temporary foreign expertise.
• Digital Application: All steps, from submission to approval, are handled online, reducing paperwork and processing time.
• Worker Entry: Once approved, the visa holder can enter Saudi Arabia and begin work immediately.

Benefits for Businesses and the Economy

The introduction of the temporary work visa is expected to provide several advantages:

• Faster Hiring: Companies can respond quickly to short-term labor needs without lengthy visa procedures.
• Skill Gaps: Access to international expertise helps fill gaps in the local workforce.
• Project Delivery: Businesses can complete projects on schedule by bringing in specialized talent as needed.
• Economic Growth: The policy supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract investment and develop key sectors beyond oil.

Regulatory Considerations

Authorities have emphasized that the temporary work visa is intended strictly for short-term assignments and not as a substitute for standard employment visas. Companies are expected to adhere to all labor regulations, and misuse of the visa could result in penalties.

Thе launch of thе tеmporary work visa marks a significant stеp in Saudi Arabia’s labor markеt rеforms. As thе program is implеmеntеd, officials will monitor its еffеctivеnеss and makе adjustmеnts to еnsurе it mееts thе nееds of both еmployеrs and thе national workforcе. Thе initiativе rеflеcts thе Kingdom’s commitmеnt to crеating a dynamic, flеxiblе, and globally compеtitivе businеss еnvironmеnt.

Source: https://www.arabianbusiness.com/culture-society/saudi-arabia-reveals-new-temporary-work-visa