With the rapid development of projects like Saudi Arabia’s NEOM trade zone and the Vision 2030 strategic plan, demand is growing for short-term skilled workers in the kingdom. Addressing this need, Saudi Arabia recently introduced the new Temporary Work Visa, designed to simplify the process of bringing short-term workers into the country, expanding eligibility beyond the prior limitations of the Work Visit Visa.
2 Year Temporary Work Permit in Saudi Arabia
This article covers:
- Eligibility Criteria
- Required Documents
- Application Process
- Cost Considerations
- Benefits of the Visa
Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Work Visa
To be eligible for the Temporary Work Visa, employers must meet specific conditions. Here’s what’s required:
Eligibility Factor |
Requirement |
|---|---|
Commercial Registration |
Active Commercial Register (CR) required unless otherwise exempt. |
Foundation Status |
Business entity must be active and compliant. |
Nitiqat Rating |
At least a medium green rating. |
Wage Protection Compliance |
Must have no infractions under the Wage Protection System (WPS). |
Visa Issuance Balance |
Availability of visa issuance balance is necessary. |
Expired Visas |
Any lapsed visas will result in denial of a new application. |
Required Documentation
The Temporary Work Visa requires applicants to submit specific documents, as detailed below:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for over six months post-entry, with two blank-facing pages.
- Completed Visa Application Form: Available in the visa application pack.
- Two Recent Color Photographs: Must be high quality, taken against a white background.
- Employment Contract: Signed copy by both employer and employee.
- Medical Examination Report: FCO-sanctioned, with a medical exam arranged by the employer.
- ACRO Police Certificate: Required and must be legalized.
- Educational Qualifications: Degree or certificate attested by the Saudi Cultural Attaché Bureau.
Note: Previous employment in Saudi Arabia may require a reference letter from the prior employer.
Key Benefits of Saudi Arabia’s Temporary Work Visa
The new visa offers several benefits that support both workers and companies in the kingdom:
- Rapid Hiring Process: This allows companies to bring in specialized talent swiftly, particularly beneficial for projects in remote areas.
- Greater Workforce Flexibility: Organizations can source professionals quickly for specific project needs, reducing administrative procedures.
- Short-Term Test: Workers can explore employment in Saudi Arabia before committing to long-term roles.
However, unlike long-term work visas, the Temporary Work Visa cannot be converted to permanent residency.
Application Process
Applying for the Temporary Work Visa is a straightforward process that takes place via the Qiwa online platform. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Log into the Employer’s Qiwa Account.
- Navigate to Temporary Work Visa Services under e-services.
- Submit Application: Complete all required fields.
- Submit the Request: Visit the Saudi Embassy to finalize the application.
Qiwa Platform is a tool provided by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources, designed for a seamless application experience.
Cost of Work Permits
Visa costs vary based on the percentage of Saudi nationals employed within a company:
Percentage of Saudi Employees |
Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|
50% or more |
SAR 7,200 (SAR 750 for Iqama, SAR 6,000 for work permit, SAR 450 for insurance) |
Less than 50% |
May vary based on specifics. |
Important Considerations
- Commercial Registration: Required for businesses, except for exempt activities.
- Unified Number Compliance: Entities with the same unified number must not have expired permits and should have enough credit on Absher accounts.
- Automatic Visa Issuance: Available instantly via Qiwa without document submission.
- Reasons for Rejection: Incomplete adjustments or objections from the Ministry of Interior.
Conclusion: Enabling Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Goals
This visa is another step in Saudi Arabia’s journey to diversify its economy beyond oil by attracting skilled workers from around the globe. In line with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to make the kingdom an attractive place for foreign talent and investments, and the new visa is a promising addition for businesses.
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