Common questions around

Saudi Arabia Employment Work Visa

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Employment Work Visa

How do I handle Iqama cancellation if my employee leaves Saudi Arabia?

Notify MOIA within 10 days via Qiwa; submit exit report. Fines for delays: SAR 1,000/month. As HR, automate tracking to close sponsorship cleanly and free quota slots.

What are the 2025 updates to Saudi work visas for skilled employees?

New skill tiers (1-3) via Qiwa: Tier 1 for high-skill (e.g., IT pros) gets priority processing. Professional Verification required for 23 fields. Temporary visas now skill-agnostic for flexibility.

Can my employee's family join them on a Saudi Arabia employment visa?

Yes, via dependent Iqama (spouse/children under 18). Sponsor as employer; requires marriage/birth certificates (attested). Fees: SAR 2,000 per dependent. Limits: No work rights for dependents unless separate visa.

How does the Nitaqat system affect sponsoring work visas for my team in Saudi Arabia?

Nitaqat classifies your company by Saudization % (e.g., Platinum for 50%+ locals). Higher bands unlock more visa quotas. Check Qiwa score annually; low bands restrict hires but offer grace periods for compliance.

What happens if my employee wants to transfer their Iqama to another sponsor in Saudi Arabia?

Possible after 1 year with current employer or contract end. Apply via Qiwa with no-objection certificate (NOC) from you. Fees: SAR 2,000. Ensure compliance to avoid labor disputes; this supports employee mobility under 2025 reforms.

Does my employee need a medical exam for the Saudi work visa, and what does it cover?

Yes, GAMCA-approved exam (SAR 200-300) checks for infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, TB). Conducted pre-arrival; results valid 3 months. As HR, coordinate via approved centers to speed up visa approval.

How do I renew my employee's Iqama in Saudi Arabia?

Renew 30 days before expiry via Qiwa or Absher portal. Submit updated medical, contract, and fees (SAR 650). Processing: 3-5 days. As HR, track via company dashboard to avoid fines (up to SAR 20,000 for lapses).

What documents does my employee need to apply for the Saudi employment visa?

Essential docs: Signed employment contract (MOFA-attested), passport copy, 2 passport photos, medical report, and professional qualifications (attested by Saudi Cultural Mission). Submit via Enjaz or Visa Portal; processing takes 5-10 days. Pro tip for HR: Pre-attest docs to avoid delays.

Can my company sponsor a temporary work visa in Saudi Arabia for short-term employee projects?

Yes, the Temporary Work Visa (up to 90 days, extendable to 180) suits trials or seasonal roles. Apply via Qiwa without full Iqama; ideal for consulting staff. No skill tier required, but notify MOIA within 48 hours of arrival.

What is the cost of sponsoring an Iqama work permit for my employee in Saudi Arabia?

Employer fees: SAR 2,000-4,000 (visa issuance + Iqama), plus medical (SAR 500) and attestation costs (SAR 200-500). Employee covers travel/insurance. Total ~SAR 6,000-10,000 per hire. Budget for annual renewals (SAR 650). Use Qiwa for exact quotes.

What are the eligibility requirements for sponsoring a Saudi Arabia work visa for my employee?

Your employee must have a job offer in a skill-based role (e.g., Tier 1 for executives/doctors). Key requirements include a valid passport (6+ months), attested degree/diploma, medical fitness certificate (GAMCA-approved), and police clearance. As sponsor, ensure your company has Qiwa approval and meets Saudization ratios. No QVP (Qualified Verification Program) needed for most roles in 2025.

What is the Saudi Arabia Employment Work Visa, and how does it benefit my company?

The Saudi Arabia Employment Work Visa (also called the Iqama-linked work visa) allows your foreign employee to legally live and work in the Kingdom for up to 2 years (renewable). It supports Vision 2030 by enabling skilled hires in sectors like IT and engineering, reducing your recruitment costs through streamlined sponsorship via the Qiwa platform. As the employer, you'll sponsor it, gaining access to talent pools while complying with Nitaqat quotas.

How long does it take to process a Saudi Arabia work visa for my new hire?

Standard processing is 1-3 weeks via the Ministry of Labor (Qiwa), plus 3-5 days for embassy stamping. Temporary work visas (for short projects) take 5-7 days. Factor in medical exams (2-3 days). Start early to align with your onboarding timeline.

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