What is the Temporary Work Visa?

Temporary Work Visa is a short term works or assignment, which is usually limited to 90 days (renewable once).Most importantly, it does not result in Iqama, or residency status

Who is paying the Iqama and imposing fees?

According to the Saudi law, all Work Visa Saudi Arabia, and Iqama issuance/renewal fees fall under the Employer Sponsorship. The employer is also liable to foreign worker levy (Maktab Amal fee).

Is it now possible to change my job without my permission as an employee?

Yes, with the Kafala System Reforms, it is possible to switch jobs without the consent of the current employer, though this is possible only when your employment contract has expired or your employer has not fulfilled his or her duties (e.g. not paying salaries).

Saudi Arabia Work Visa Pathway for Global Workers

The world worker is experiencing an economic and social revolution in Saudi Arabia, which is part of its Vision 2030 framework. To world workers, this is a revolution that is becoming much more flexible to the worker but more specialized in skill assessment.

Workers Mobility and the End of Falafe

The official replacement of the previous system of sponsorship by the contract system that is introduced by the MoHRSD (Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development) is the new labor law that empowers the rights and movement of the workers.5

Kafala System Reforms that are Game-Changing.

The reforms offer great conditions to the foreign workers in the private sector:

Job Mobility: now, the expatriate employees are free to move their Employer Sponsorship to a new employer after satisfying certain conditions of their contract (e.g. one year of employment or the end of the contract).
Exit/Re-Entry Visa: The employee is free to submit an Exit and Re-Entry Visa application on the digital governmental websites such as Absher Platform, and does not need the employer to explicitly approve it.
Final Exit Visa: The workers are now allowed to seek a final exit visa when the contract ends or when the duration of the contract expires.
NLP Insight: the combination of Kafala System Reforms, Mobility and Exit/Re-Entry Visa is a direct response to the main user intent of eliminating the limitations of the old system.

Nitaqat and Compliance

This increases the mobility of the worker but the compliance of the employer is equally critical under the Nitaqat Program, companies are required to have a minimum quota of Saudi national hires so that they can have a Medium Green or higher rating which directly influences their quota of purchasing a Work Visa Saudi Arabia to the expatriates.

The Skill Verification Program (SVP) Requirement

One of the most fundamental aspects of the Vision 2030 is granting access to the Kingdom by only eligible applicants to the Skilled Worker Visa Program.11 The Skill Verification Program (SVP) is an obligatory test that checks professional competence of a worker.12

What is the SVP?

The SVP is a standardized exam to a variety of technical and professional positions.13 The exam is used to make certain that foreign employees have the certified skills as mandated by the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations.

Compulsory: The majority of technical trades (e.g., Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC) and some professional positions.
Two-Part Exam: This is a Theoretical Exam (computer-based, based on industry knowledge) and a Practical Exam (hands-on assessment).
Validity of Certificate: On passing, the certificate is usually valid within five years and it is issued by MoHRSD.

Work Visa and Iqama Process

To be legally employed in Saudi Arabia, there are steps to be worked out, including the Employer Sponsorship, and several government agencies, especially the MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and MISA (Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia) in the applications of investors.

Work Visa Saudi Arabia Application (Pre-Arrival)

Secure Job Offer: You should possess an accepted offer and an Attested Employment Contract of a company registered in Saudi Arabia (your sponsor).
Employer Block Visa: The employer requests a starting quota of visa (Block Visa) and approval through the Qiwa Platform and MoHRSD.
Visa Authorization: MOFA gives the sponsor a visa authorization number.
SVP Clearance: At his home country, the applicant should pass a Professional Verification (SVP) exam, in case of necessity.
Document Submission: The applicant forwards the required notifications to the Saudi Embassy/Consulate of the required documents, such as: passport, police clearance, and the mandatory Medical Examination Certificate (noted through Gamca Medical centers)
Visa Stamping: Work Visa is stamped in the passport.

The Iqama Issuance (Post-Arrival)

Iqama (Resident Permit) is the official ID card which is necessary in all aspects of Saudi Arabian life.

Arrival and Biometrics: The employee arrives in the Kingdom and registers the required medical and biometrics.
Application of the Iqama Issuance: The employer officers the last application of the Iqama on the Muqeem Portal or the Absher Business. This should be done within the 90 days of arrival.
Family Sponsorship: When the worker has a valid Iqama and Minimum Salary Requirement (which is currently SAR 5,000-10,000/month, depending on employer policy), he or she can request a Family Residence Permit (Dependent Visa).

FAQs

What is the Temporary Work Visa?

Temporary Work Visa is a short term works or assignment, which is usually limited to 90 days (renewable once).Most importantly, it does not result in Iqama, or residency status
Who is paying the Iqama and imposing fees?

According to the Saudi law, all Work Visa Saudi Arabia, and Iqama issuance/renewal fees fall under the Employer Sponsorship. The employer is also liable to foreign worker levy (Maktab Amal fee).
Is it now possible to change my job without my permission as an employee?

Yes, with the Kafala System Reforms, it is possible to switch jobs without the consent of the current employer, though this is possible only when your employment contract has expired or your employer has not fulfilled his or her duties (e.g. not paying salaries).

Disclosure

The article is informative and educative. It is recommended that all readers confirm all the information, rules, and regulations with the credible sources of information in the government like ministry of human resources and social development (MoHRSD) and ministry of foreign affairs (MOFA) prior to reaching any conclusions in respect to job applications and visa application.