Hiring foreign employees is an essential part of the last stage of a successful, compliant business setup in Saudi Arabia.
This comprehensive guide outlines the necessary requirements and steps to follow on how to apply for a work visa permit for employees in Saudi Arabia, including applying for and obtaining a work visa for non-Saudi employees.
We will also provide some key considerations for global businesses hiring foreign staff in Saudi Arabia and answer the primary frequently asked questions.
Procedures to Apply for an Online Saudi Work Visa for Foreign Employees
Pre-Onboarding Essentials: Employment Contract Requirements
Initial procedures include
- Secure a Job Offer: The first step for obtaining a Saudi work visa is for the employee to receive a job offer from a locally incorporated company.
- Collect Company Documents: Employers must gather all necessary incorporation documents, including an active Commercial Registration (CR), before starting the hiring process.
- Qiwa Portal Registration: Employers need an active account on the Qiwa portal (managed by HRSD) to proceed with hiring, submit visa requests, and manage employee records.
- Draft Job Offer and Employment Contract: The hiring process begins with creating a job offer letter and employment contract.
- Contract Attestation: Employment contracts must be attested by the Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Employee Documentation: Employers must collect comprehensive documents from prospective employees before finalizing the contract.
Key Considerations
Without having an active account on the Qiwa portal, employers can’t proceed with hiring. This key government portal, launched and managed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), is where companies can lodge their visa requests as well as manage employees’ records.
Markedly, the hiring process starts with drafting a job offer letter and an employment contract attested by the Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
However, employers must first collect comprehensive documentation from prospective employees.
Required paperwork is as follows:
- A passport copy (name, nationality, country of origin, religious affiliation)
- Medical test results from the country of departure
- Police clearance documentation
- Attested educational and professional certificates
Obtaining a Work Visa for Foreign Employees in KSA: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a breakdown of the necessary steps
- Submit a request to issue a work visa via Qiwa
- When approved, use Enjazit portal to issue the work visa
- Register the contract on Qiwa before the employee’s arrival in Saudi Arabia
- Employee has to retrieve their work visa at Saudi Embassy in their country of origin
Key Considerations
Before the employee arrives in Saudi Arabia, their employment contract must be registered on the Qiwa platform. This registration process ensures the contract terms fully comply with Saudi labor laws and establishes the contract as legally binding.
Upon their arrival in the Kingdom, the employee undergoes a medical examination within the Saudi borders. Then, a health insurance certificate is issued under a border number, as reflected on the National Certificate Commission for Healthcare (CCHI).
Finally, the Work Permit will then be displayed on the Qiwa portal, authorizing the employee’s eligibility to work in Saudi Arabia.
What Comes After Obtaining a Work Visa for a Non-Saudi Employee?
Below is an overview of the key next actions
- Submit Iqama Application: Once the employment contract is finalized, the Iqama application should be submitted.
- Processing Fees: The Iqama application process incurs certain processing fees.
- Employee Registration on Absher: Upon Iqama issuance, the new hire must be registered on the Absher portal.
- Complete Registration on Mudad: The hiring process concludes with registering the employee on the Mudad portal, ensuring accurate salary details.
- Complete Registration on Wage Protection System (WPS): The WPS ensures that the employee’s salary is processed according to the terms outlined in the contract.
Key Considerations
Upon its issuance, companies will then make contributions towards the new hire, who also needs to be registered on the Absher portal.
The hiring process concludes with completing the employee’s registration on the Mudad portal, where the new employee’s salary details are accurately recorded. The Wage Protection System (WPS) will ensure that the employee’s salary will be processed according to the contract’s terms.
Best Practices for Global Companies Setting Up a Business in Saudi Arabia
Today, foreign workers make up 76.6% of Saudi Arabia’s workforce, amounting to around 12.93 million people, while the number of Saudi workers reached 3.93 million, or 23.3% of the total workforce.
Considering the country’s dynamic business environment, demonstrating a commitment to adhering to the country’s regulatory requirements as laid out in the labor law ensures that a business can operate and expand confidently.
With its integrated talent recruitment and HR solutions, AstroLabs simplifies visa acquisition for each employee regardless of their location.
Its comprehensive approach ensures that companies stay on top of Saudization requirements while maintaining full compliance throughout the whole onboarding process, from sourcing and relocating talent to setting up payroll systems.
FAQs About Work Visas For Non-Saudi Employees
- How long does the Saudi work visa process take?
In fact, the processing timeline varies from one person to another, but it is advisable to start the process ahead of schedule to avoid any potential business disruptions. Working with AstroLabs’ HR specialists can significantly accelerate the process with minimal to no risk.
- Can I apply for a Saudi work visa myself?
No, employers must apply for the work visa on behalf of the applicant.
- What documents are required for a Saudi work visa?
- A passport copy
- Attested job offer letter
- Attested educational and professional certificates
- Medical tests certified by the country of departure
- Police clearance certificate
- How long is a work visa valid?
Saudi work visa validity is typically for one year. While in Saudi Arabia on a work visa, visitors are only permitted to stay for up to 90 days, and they can file a request to extend their stay for a maximum of 90 days.
- Can I change employers in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, employee transfer requests in Saudi are primarily conducted through Qiwa. But, applicants must have a valid Iqama and fulfill the notice period as stipulated in the contract. To do so, business owners need to have a valid CR certificate and active GOSI status, be registered on the GOSI and MHRSD systems, and pay salaries through WPS. The employee transfer can be completed if the existing employer accepts their request within 14 days.
However, regulations have been updated to allow transfer without the employee’s consent in the event of noncompliance with Saudization policy. Read this article to learn more.
- Can a US Citizen Work in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, US citizens can work in Saudi Arabia by obtaining the appropriate residency and work authorization. Typically, this is granted through a one-year renewable residence permit (Iqama). Which is tied to a specific employer and job role. As long as the individual remains with the same sponsoring employer and maintains valid documentation. They are permitted to live and work in the Kingdom.