The Saudi Temporary Work Visa,introduced to replace the Work Visit Visa, is designed for short-term workassignments, allowing foreign nationals to work in Saudi Arabia for up to 90days, with a possible extension of another 90 days. It is valid for multipleentries within a year, making it a flexible option for businesses andprofessionals. This visa aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, whichemphasizes economic diversification and increased foreign workforceparticipation, particularly in projects like NEOM.

For many, navigating visa processescan be daunting, especially with recent policy changes. This guide addressescommon pain points, such as understanding eligibility, gathering documents, andapplying online, providing clear solutions for a smoother experience. It isparticularly relevant for Pakistani nationals, given the significant expatriatecommunity in Saudi Arabia and the ease of applying through platforms like Qiwa.

What is the Saudi Temporary Work Visa?

The Saudi Temporary Work Visa is awork permit specifically for short-term employment, typically lasting up to 90days, with an option to extend for another 90 days, totaling 180 days within ayear. It is a multiple-entry visa, meaning holders can enter and exit SaudiArabia as needed during this period. Introduced to streamline the hiring offoreign workers for specific projects, it differs from permanent or seasonalwork visas by focusing on temporary, project-based needs.

This visa replaces the previousWork Visit Visa, offering faster processing and fewer documentationrequirements. It is particularly useful for sectors like construction, oil andgas, and event management, where short-term skilled labor is often required.The visa must be used within one year of issuance, ensuring timely utilizationfor both employers and employees.

Eligibility Criteria of Saudi Temporary Work Visa

Eligibility for the Saudi TemporaryWork Visa involves both employer and employee meeting specific criteria,ensuring compliance with Saudi labor laws and regulations.

Employer Eligibility to Apply for Saudi Temporary Work Visa:

• Must have a valid commercial registration (CR), except for activities exempt from this requirement.
• Must maintain a Nitaqat status of "Medium Green" or higher, a classification system that rates companies based on their employment of Saudi nationals, promoting localization.
• Must be compliant with the Wage Protection System (WPS), which ensures timely payment to employees, with no negative remarks.
• Must have a visa issuance balance, meaning no expired pre-existing visas that could block new applications.

Saudi Arabia Temporary Work Visa Employee Eligibility:

• Must possess a valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond the intended stay in Saudi Arabia, with two blank pages for visa stamps.
• Must meet the job requirements specified by the employer, which may include relevant qualifications or experience.
• Must have no criminal record or previous immigration violations in Saudi Arabia, ensuring compliance with entry regulations.

For Pakistani nationals, there areno specific additional requirements beyond these general criteria. However,given the large Pakistani expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, it is advisableto check with the Saudi embassy or consulate in Pakistan for anycountry-specific updates, especially considering recent visa policy changes,such as the suspension of one-year multiple-entry visas as of February 2025.

Requirements for Application of Temporary Visa

The application process requiresspecific documentation from both the employer and the employee, ensuring asmooth and compliant process.

Employer Requirements:

1. The employer must have an account on the Qiwa platform with company details are up to date.
2. Must buy or have a valid Quota for the Temporary Work.
3. Once a quota is purchased, the employer submits the employee's details through Qiwa, including full name, nationality, passport number, date of birth, and job title, ensuring accuracy for processing.

Employee Requirements:

1. Must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, with two blank pages for visa stamps, a standard requirement for international travel.
2. A recent photograph meeting Saudi visa photo specifications, typically a passport-sized color photo.
3. Depending on the job type, some employees may need to undergo a medical examination, particularly for roles in healthcare or food services.
4. The completed form, available from the Saudi embassy or consulate website, must be filled out accurately.
5. A letter from the employer confirming the job offer and duration of stay, essential for visa sponsorship.
6. Copies of educational certificates or professional qualifications relevant to the job, ensuring the employee meets the role's requirements.

Application Process: How to Apply Online

The application for the SaudiTemporary Work Visa is primarily handled through the Qiwa platform, offering anefficient, 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 extensivepaperwork. The visa must be used within one year of issuance, and the employeecan stay for up to 90 days per visit, with a possible extension for another 90days, totaling 180 days annually.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure a smooth applicationprocess, avoid the following common errors:

• Incomplete Documentation: Ensure all required documents, such as the passport and sponsorship letter, are provided and up to date.
• Incorrect Job Title: The job title must match the employee's qualifications and the employer's requirements to avoid rejection.
• Non-Compliance with Nitaqat: The employer must maintain the required Nitaqat status; failure to do so can lead to application denial.
• Expired Passport: The employee's passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the stay period to meet entry requirements.
• Failure to Pay Fees on Time: Ensure all fees, including the quota cost, are paid promptly to avoid delays or cancellation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To address common queries, here aredetailed answers:

Can I extend my Temporary Work Visa beyond 180 days?

No, the visa allows a maximum stayof 90 days, extendable for another 90 days, totaling 180 days per year, as perofficial guidelines.

Can I work for multiple employers with one Temporary Work Visa?

No, the visa is tied to a specificemployer and job position, ensuring compliance with labor laws.

Is there a specific fee for the Temporary Work Visa?

The employer pays for the quota,starting at 1,000 SAR, with additional fees possible for the employee'sapplication, depending on the embassy.

How long does it take to process the visa?

Processing times can vary, but thenew system through Qiwa is designed to be faster, often immediate, compared totraditional methods.

Can family members accompany me on this visa?

Generally, no, as this is awork-specific visa; family members may need to apply for separate visit orresidence visas, depending on their purpose.

Conclusion

This guide provides a comprehensiveoverview of the Saudi Temporary Work Visa, addressing key aspects such aseligibility, requirements, and application processes, with specificconsiderations for Pakistani nationals. By following the outlined steps andavoiding common mistakes, applicants can navigate the process efficiently. Forthe latest updates, refer to official sources like the Qiwa platform or theSaudi embassy in your country.