The Saudi Temporary Work Visa, introduced to replace the Work Visit Visa, is designed for short-term work assignments, allowing foreign nationals to work in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days, with a possible extension of another 90 days. It is valid for multiple entries within a year, making it a flexible option for businesses and professionals. This visa aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which emphasizes economic diversification and increased foreign workforce participation, particularly in projects like NEOM.
For many, navigating visa processes can be daunting, especially with recent policy changes. This guide addresses common pain points, such as understanding eligibility, gathering documents, and applying online, providing clear solutions for a smoother experience. It is particularly relevant for Pakistani nationals, given the significant expatriate community in Saudi Arabia and the ease of applying through platforms like Qiwa.
The Saudi Temporary Work Visa is a work permit specifically for short-term employment, typically lasting up to 90 days, with an option to extend for another 90 days, totaling 180 days within a year. It is a multiple-entry visa, meaning holders can enter and exit Saudi Arabia as needed during this period. Introduced to streamline the hiring of foreign workers for specific projects, it differs from permanent or seasonal work visas by focusing on temporary, project-based needs.
This visa replaces the previous Work Visit Visa, offering faster processing and fewer documentation requirements. It is particularly useful for sectors like construction, oil and gas, and event management, where short-term skilled labor is often required. The visa must be used within one year of issuance, ensuring timely utilization for both employers and employees.
Eligibility for the Saudi Temporary Work Visa involves both employer and employee meeting specific criteria, ensuring compliance with Saudi labor laws and regulations.
For Pakistani nationals, there are no specific additional requirements beyond these general criteria. However, given the large Pakistani expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, it is advisable to check with the Saudi embassy or consulate in Pakistan for any country-specific updates, especially considering recent visa policy changes, such as the suspension of one-year multiple-entry visas as of February 2025.
The application process requires specific documentation from both the employer and the employee, ensuring a smooth and compliant process.
The application for the Saudi Temporary Work Visa is primarily handled through the Qiwa platform, offering an efficient, automated process. Below is a step-by-step guide:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Employer logs into Qiwa and ensures compliance with eligibility criteria, such as Nitaqat status and WPS. |
| 2 | Employer purchases the required number of quotas, valid for one year from the date of purchase, with costs starting at 1,000 SAR. |
| 3 | Employer submits employee details through Qiwa, ensuring all information is accurate and complete. |
| 4 | Employee applies for the visa at the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate, providing required documents and paying any additional fees. |
| 5 | Visa is processed, with issuance typically faster than traditional methods, and the employee can travel to Saudi Arabia upon approval. |
The process is designed for speed, with immediate issuance possible through Qiwa, reducing the need for extensive paperwork. The visa must be used within one year of issuance, and the employee can stay for up to 90 days per visit, with a possible extension for another 90 days, totaling 180 days annually.
To ensure a smooth application process, avoid the following common errors:
To address common queries, here are detailed answers:
No, the visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days, extendable for another 90 days, totaling 180 days per year, as per official guidelines.
No, the visa is tied to a specific employer and job position, ensuring compliance with labor laws.
The employer pays for the quota, starting at 1,000 SAR, with additional fees possible for the employee's application, depending on the embassy.
Processing times can vary, but the new system through Qiwa is designed to be faster, often immediate, compared to traditional methods.
Generally, no, as this is a work-specific visa; family members may need to apply for separate visit or residence visas, depending on their purpose.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Saudi Temporary Work Visa, addressing key aspects such as eligibility, requirements, and application processes, with specific considerations for Pakistani nationals. By following the outlined steps and avoiding common mistakes, applicants can navigate the process efficiently. For the latest updates, refer to official sources like the Qiwa platform or the Saudi embassy in your country.
