HRSD Ministry clarifies updates to temporary work visa rules

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Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) clarified key changes to the updated regulations for temporary work visas as well as the Hajj and Umrah temporary work services, which the Cabinet approved earlier today.

The new regulations will give high flexibility to the private sector to benefit from temporary visas based on their needs and labor market requirements. They will also help make the local labor market more attractive, said the ministry.

Furthermore, the needs of establishments operating during the Umrah season were factored in the new rules and were incorporated in the temporary work visa, it added.

The ministry also indicated that articles of the new regulations included a detailed explanation of work mechanisms among relevant authorities, besides the time intervals required for completion of the relevant procedures. This is to ensure governance of operations and elevate transparency.

Rights of parties to a contractual relationship were also factored in the new rules. This includes requiring a copy of the employment contract signed by both parties, paired with the mandatory medical insurance as a basic requirement for granting the work visa by Saudi embassies abroad.