With the help of the Vision 2030 program, Saudi Arabia hopes to expand its economy, society, and culture beyond its historical reliance on oil. This will lead to a large increase in employment prospects for both foreign and Saudi workers. The building of Neom and THE LINE, a 170 km long vertical metropolis that is expected to create a multitude of job opportunities, are part of this ambitious proposal. The prerequisites for working in Saudi Arabia vary per nation and include obtaining an employment visa, a work permit authorised by your employer, and a medical examination to verify your suitability for the position. There exist multiple categories of work visas, each requiring a different application procedure.
Anyone hoping to take advantage of the growing prospects in Saudi Arabia must comprehend these visas and the detailed steps involved in getting them.
Types of Saudi Arabia Work Visas
There are three different kinds of work visas that allow one to work lawfully in Saudi Arabia:
- Visa for Seasonal Employment
- Visa for Temporary Employment
- Permanent Work Permit
Visa for Seasonal Employment
Workers recruited for temporary positions related to particular seasons or events in Saudi Arabia, such as tourist or agricultural harvests, are granted a Seasonal Work Visa. These visas are only good during the appropriate seasonal times.
Visa for Temporary Employment
Individuals with short-term job contracts in Saudi Arabia are issued a Temporary Work Visa, which permits them to work in the nation for a predetermined amount of time.
Permanent Work Permit
Those who have secured long-term job contracts in Saudi Arabia are granted a Permanent Work Visa.
Conditions to Apply for a Work Visa in Saudi Arabia
Prior to submitting a work visa application, you must possess the following:
- Job Offer
- Employer Sponsorship
- Medical Test
- Visa Application
- Obtain Iqama
How to Apply for a Work Visa in Saudi Arabia
Obtain a job offer: from a Saudi business. IsDB and Aramco are only two of the many Saudi Arabian businesses that employ international workers.
Employer Sponsorship: Through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MOHRSS), your employer will apply for a work visa on your behalf.
Medical Exam: In Saudi Arabia, you will have to go through a medical examination.
Application for Visa: After being accepted by MOHRSS, you can apply online or through a Saudi embassy or consulate in your nation of residence for a visa. Choose the relevant visa category at this stage.
Obtain an Iqama: A Saudi Iqama is a residency permit that permits foreign nationals who are employed lawfully to live and work in Saudi Arabia. Periodically, the Iqama must be renewed.
The best course of action is to go to the Saudi embassies and check the list and contact details. Certain criteria, procedures, visa fees, and processing periods may vary throughout embassies and consulates. For exact information, it is best to get in touch with the Saudi embassy in your nation as this is only a broad guideline.
