Regulations governing temporary work visas and temporary work for Hajj and Umrah services to provide a more attractive labour market in the Kingdom

The laws regulating temporary work visas and temporary work for Hajj and Umrah services, which were adopted by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, would help make the labour market in the Kingdom more appealing. The legislation will allow the business sector to obtain temporary visas in a way that best suits their purposes and the demands of the labour market. According to a ministry statement obtained by the Saudi Press Agency, the new revisions would go into force 180 days following the Cabinet's approval date.

The lengthening of the visa's grace period, which will begin on Shaban 15 and go through the end of Muharram, is one of the laws' most notable characteristics. The temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services was previously known as the seasonal work visa. The requirements of businesses operating during the Umrah season were considered when updating the rules. 

Following the change, the regulations' articles provided a thorough description of the working methods amongst the pertinent authorities as well as the time frames needed to finish the procedures, guaranteeing operational governance and increasing transparency.

The regulations required the provision of a copy of the employment contract signed by both parties and stipulated the availability of medical insurance as a basic requirement before granting the visa by the Saudi diplomatic missions abroad. These updates also took into account the rights of both parties to the contractual relationship. 

A chapter on fines has been included in the new regulations in an effort to stop any infractions or actions that result in the misuse of these visas. It also featured the deletion of the necessity of endorsement when issuing a temporary work visa, and the changes offered greater flexibility to establishments by extending the length of temporary visas for a similar period of 90 extra days.