Wednesday, October 2, 2024

In a bid to provide more flexibility for the private sector, Saudi Arabia will update regulations for temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services.

Confirming the decision, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development said the new changes would permit businesses to better align visa needs with labor market demands and contribute to creating a more attractive work environment, VisaGuide. World reports.

Among the updates is the renaming of the seasonal work visa to the temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah Services and extending the grace period for this kind of visa from February 14 to July 25.

According to a report from Arab News, the new regulations also aim to address the need for establishments operating during the Umrah season by extending their eligibility for temporary work visas.

Misuse of Work Visas Will Lead to Penalties, Ministry Stressed

In addition, through updated regulations, there is a clear timeframe required to complete visa-related procedures.

In this regard, the Ministry highlighted the importance of protection for both employers and employees adding that a signed employment contract will be provided to both parties and requiring medical insurance as a prerequisite for holding a visa through Saudi embassies and consulates located abroad.

In case of misusing temporary work visas, penalties will be applied, following the new regulations introduced by authorities in this country.

Following the recently applied changes, businesses will have more flexibility with the option to extend visas for an additional 90 days and will no longer require endorsement when issuing temporary visas, therefore streamlining the process.

The new changes are set to become effective 180 days after their approval, offering businesses time to adapt to the new system, while ensuring that operations during the Hajj and Umrah season function well.

Fines & Deportation for Irregular Hajj Pilgrims

Following reports of misuse of Hajj visas, earlier this year, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism announced that the country’s citizens as well as visitors and expatriates attempting to reach Makkah without obtaining a valid visa, will be subject to fines amounting to SR 10,000 (264.91 USD).

Back then, the Ministry warned that holders of visit visas of all types are not permitted to perform Hajj, in line with the instructions and regulations prevailing in Saudi Arabia.

In addition, the Ministry also said that those caught without a Hajj permit within the holy city of Makkah, the Central Haram Area, as well as the Holy Sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, will be subject to new penalties.

Source: https://visaguide.world/news/saudi-arabia-introduces-new-changes-to-temporary-work-visas-for-hajj-umrah-services/