Saudi Arabia Temporary Work Visa 2024 | 2-Year Permit Application Process

Saudi Arabia’s Temporary Work Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

As Saudi Arabia‘s economy rapidly develops, projects like NEOM and Vision 2030 are transforming the region, creating a high demand for skilled temporary workers. Recognizing this need, Saudi Arabia has introduced a Temporary Work Visa to streamline and accelerate the process of bringing short-term workers into the country while expanding the types of workers eligible for such visas.

This initiative offers an alternative to the existing Work Visit Visa, which was previously limited to specific technical roles. The new visa is now accessible to a broader range of professionals, providing more flexibility for companies operating within the kingdom.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new Temporary Work Visa for Saudi Arabia, including its eligibility, required documents, benefits, and application process.

Eligibility Criteria

For an employer to apply for a Temporary Work Visa, the following conditions must be met:

1. Valid Commercial Registration (CR): The employer must have an active and valid CR, except for industries that do not require it.
2. Company Status: The establishment must be officially registered and in good standing.
3. Nitiqat Rating: The company should have a Nitiqat rating of medium green or higher. The Nitiqat system is a Saudi government initiative aimed at increasing employment of Saudi nationals in the private sector.
4. Wage Protection System (WPS): The company should have no negative comments or violations related to the WPS.
5. Visa Issuance Balance: The establishment should have sufficient credit in the Absher account to issue new visas.
6. No Expired Visas: Any pre-existing visas should be up-to-date, and if any have expired, they must be renewed or canceled before applying for a new one.

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Required Documents

To apply for a Temporary Work Visa, the following documents are essential:

1. Passport: Valid for more than six months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia and with at least two blank pages.
2. Saudi Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.
3. Recent Passport-Sized Photos: Two recent color photographs against a white background.
4. Online Visa Application: This will be filled out on behalf of the applicant.
5. Work Invitation Approval: A work invitation issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
6. Employment Contract: Signed by both the employer and the employee.
7. Medical Report: Approved and legalized by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). This document is required for specific roles and can be arranged through the appropriate channels.
8. CV/Resume: Detailed with relevant experience.
9. Certified Academic Degree: Translated into Arabic and certified by the Saudi Cultural Attaché Bureau and FCO.
10. Police Clearance Certificate: Also legalized by the FCO.

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Benefits of the Temporary Work Visa

1. Flexibility and Quick Processing: The visa allows companies to quickly bring in skilled workers for short-term projects. This is particularly beneficial for firms operating in remote areas or for projects that require specialized skills.
2. Short-Term Project Support: Suitable for temporary assignments without the need for a long-term commitment, allowing firms to hire specialized talent for limited durations.
3. Enhanced Workforce Support: Employers can now back their workforce with additional professionals as needed, making project execution more streamlined.
4. Trial Before Commitment: The visa allows professionals to experience working in Saudi Arabia before committing to a long-term contract.
5. Improved Accessibility: With the broadening of eligible roles, more professionals can now take advantage of this visa category.

Limitations:

• The visa cannot be converted to a long-term employment visa within Saudi Arabia.
• Professionals must leave and re-enter the country to extend their visa, making it less flexible for long-term engagements.

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Application Process

The application for a Temporary Work Visa must be initiated by the employer on the Qiwa platform, an electronic service that facilitates visa issuance and other HR-related tasks for companies in Saudi Arabia. Here’s how to apply:

1. Log into the Company’s Qiwa Account: Employers need to log in with their credentials.
2. Select Temporary Work Visa Services: Choose the relevant service from the e-services menu.
3. Submit a Request: Fill out the details for the temporary work visa request.
4. Fill in the Necessary Information: Ensure that all fields are accurately filled.
5. Submit the Application: Submit the completed request for review.

For Employees:
Once the employer completes the application, the employee must visit the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate to submit the relevant documents and complete the visa process.

Processing Time: The Temporary Work Visa is issued instantly through Qiwa without the need for additional document submissions. Employees must enter Saudi Arabia within six months from the date of issuance.

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Costs of Work Permits in Saudi Arabia

The employer is typically responsible for covering the costs associated with the temporary work visa. Fees can vary based on the proportion of Saudi nationals employed by the company:

• With Over 50% Saudi Nationals: SAR 7,200 (approx. USD 1,920) – Includes SAR 750 for the Iqama (residence permit), SAR 6,000 for the work permit, and SAR 450 for insurance.
• With Less Than 50% Saudi Nationals: The fee structure might increase based on government regulations.

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Important Points to Remember

1. Regulations for Visa Issuance: The company must have a valid commercial registration and should not have expired work permits or other violations.
2. Instant Issuance: The temporary work visa is issued instantly via the Qiwa platform, making it a streamlined option.
3. Cancellation and Refunds: The visa can be canceled through the Qiwa platform, and the associated government fees can be refunded if necessary.
4. Application Rejection: Common reasons for rejection include incomplete information, insufficient Absher credits, or violations related to the Ministry of Interior’s regulations.

Summary

The Temporary Work Visa is valid for three months upon entry into Saudi Arabia and can be extended for another three months. Employers can leverage this visa for professionals engaged in short-term projects. As Saudi Arabia continues to open up its economy and promote investment, this visa is part of a broader strategy to make the country more accessible to foreign professionals.

For more information, visit the official Qiwa website or consult with an immigration specialist to explore your options.