Learn about the essential steps for hiring foreign employees in Saudi Arabia, including work permit types, visa requirements, application processes, and employer compliance.
While work permits and visas work fine for hiring foreign employees in Saudi Arabia, there is a slight challenge, more so when recruitment is involved. Knowing beforehand some of the types of work permits, visa applications, and unique requirements will always make it very easy. This is an all-important guide on how employers can bring international employees to Saudi Arabia.
Who Needs a Work Permit in Saudi Arabia?
Any foreigner to work in Saudi Arabia requires valid work permits for any given role and in industry. Sponsorship of an employee by his employers is, in fact, a requisite for all hiring of foreigners across the labor legislation of Saudi. Foreigners do not work under the Labor legislations of Saudi without proper and valid work permit and residence permits, that is, Iqamas.
Types of Work Visas in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia provides different types of work visa that cater to the type of employment required:
- Employment Visa: This is for professionals who have a valid job offer, and are being issued an employment contract from a Saudi employer. Thus, they can stay in the Kingdom for a longer period.
- Seasonal Work Visa: This one is issued to people who hold jobs which are of a temporary, seasonal nature like agricultural or event management. This visa is issued for a short duration and is not renewable.
- Business Visit Visa: This visa is issued for short-term activities like meetings or negotiations. Such a visa does not allow an employee to engage in direct work.
Requirements for A Saudi Work Permit
Applicants must ensure that their employee meets certain criteria before applying for a work permit.
- Valid Passport: The employee shall present a valid passport having at least six months of validity with blank visa pages.
- Employment Contract: A signed employment contract detailing the job, terms, and conditions attested by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Educational Qualifications: Degrees and certificates are authenticated by the Saudi Embassy or Saudi Cultural Mission of the employee's home country.
- Medical Test: Checkup that would ensure the employee does not harbor infectious diseases.
- Police Clearance: An attested police clearance certificate.
- Age Requirement: The applicant’s age should be above 18 years.
Application Process for Getting a Work Permit
The procedure for applying to obtain a work permit is as follows in the order of applications:
- Job Offer and Sponsorship: The applicant must have a formal job offer from the employer..
- Attestation of Documents: Employment contract and educational qualification are to be attested by the Saudi authorities.
- Application Submission: Online application on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal is submitted, and all required documents attached.
- Medical and Security Clearance: The employee is to be provided with a medical checkup and a police clearance certificate.
- Visa Stamping: Application for the visa stamp at the Saudi embassy
- Arrival and Iqama Issuance: On arrival in Saudi Arabia, the employers must apply for residence permit, also called Iqama, within 90 days.
Work Permits and Visa Fees
Work permits and visas fees vary in Saudi Arabia:
- Work Visa for 1-Year Period: SAR 5,000
- Work Visa for 2-Year Period: SAR 8,000
- Business Visit: SAR 3,000 with multiple entry within six months.
Work Permit Renewal
A work permit and Iqama are usually issued for one year and must be renewed yearly. In most cases, an employer should apply for a renewal at least two months prior to the expiration date to process it successfully to avoid any kind of fines.
Issues for Employers
Challenges faced by the employers in Saudi Arabia while hiring foreign workers include the following:
- Regulatory Compliance: Saudi labor laws and visa policies are subject to change frequently, and employers must stay updated to be compliant.
- Saudization Quotas: Hire expatriates while satisfying Saudization, where Saudi national employment is of top priority.
- Cultural Orientation: Ensure that the foreign employees have been oriented about the Saudi workplace culture.
BMS Auditing's EOR Solution
BMS Auditing offers an Employer of Record solution, so you can hire international employees seamlessly. We handle all payroll, work permits, visa procedures, and compliance processes with the relevant authorities. This pivotal support eliminates an administrative workload emanating from handling work permits, renewals, and compliance requirements: freeing you up to grow your business.
Looking for growth, compliance and convenience under one roof? Call BMS Auditing today, we’ve got you covered!
