Jeddah: Saudi Arabia has introduced updated regulations for instant work visas through its Qiwa platform, tightening eligibility requirements for businesses while streamlining the foreign worker recruitment process.
According to local media reports, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has revised visa allocation limits based on the size, compliance status, and operational history of companies applying to hire overseas employees.
The new framework is designed to ensure better regulation of the labour market while aligning recruitment practices with the Kingdom’s Saudization goals.
Revised Visa Limits for Businesses
Under the updated rules, newly established companies operating for less than two years will now be eligible for a maximum of five instant work visas.
Businesses that have been active for more than two years will be allowed to apply for up to 50 instant visas. These may be issued through a single application or multiple applications submitted within a week at the company level.
According to the Qiwa platform, companies registered under the establishment support program will initially receive two visas. However, this allocation may be increased if the business demonstrates improved compliance and achieves higher Saudization rates.
Officials say the revised system is intended to ensure that work visa allocations are tied more closely to workforce localisation performance and regulatory compliance.
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Strict Eligibility Conditions Introduced
The Qiwa platform has outlined 10 key conditions that companies must meet before they can recruit non-Saudi workers from abroad.
According to the requirements, the establishment must be actively operating, and all employees must hold valid work permits. The company’s commercial registration must also be valid, unless exempted under applicable regulations.
Businesses must fall within the Medium Green category or higher under the Saudization programme and must comply fully with the Wage Protection System without outstanding violations.
In addition, companies are required to maintain sufficient financial credit on Ministry of Interior-linked platforms such as Absher and Muqeem, and complete mandatory self-assessments where applicable.
Employers must also comply with workforce location registration rules through the Qiwa platform and ensure that recruitment quotas are available based on visa type.
The employer must be at least 18 years old, and the establishment must meet all procedural and legal requirements before submitting any application.
Categories of Work Visas Explained
The Qiwa platform has also clarified three main categories of work visas available under the updated system:
Permanent work visas are issued for long-term employment under standard labour contracts.
Temporary work visas are designed for short-term employment of up to three months.
Seasonal Hajj and Umrah visas are granted for workers hired specifically during pilgrimage seasons and require approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Officials said these categories are part of a broader effort to bring clarity and structure to the recruitment system while ensuring flexibility for different labour needs.
Focus on Labour Market Reform and Saudization
The updated regulations reflect Saudi Arabia’s ongoing labour market reforms aimed at increasing local workforce participation while maintaining access to skilled foreign labour where required.
The Saudization programme remains a central policy pillar, encouraging companies to hire Saudi nationals in increasing proportions across sectors.
Authorities say linking visa eligibility to compliance standards and localisation targets will help improve transparency and ensure fair recruitment practices across industries.
Conclusion
The new Qiwa platform rules mark a significant update to Saudi Arabia’s work visa system, introducing stricter eligibility criteria while maintaining structured pathways for hiring foreign workers.
By tying visa allocations to compliance, operational history, and Saudization performance, the Kingdom aims to balance labour market needs with long-term workforce localisation goals.
FAQs
What is the Qiwa platform?
Qiwa is a Saudi government digital platform that manages labour services, including work permits and employment-related visa applications.
How many instant visas can new companies get?
Companies operating for less than two years can receive up to five instant work visas under the new rules.
What is the maximum visa limit for older companies?
Businesses operating for more than two years may apply for up to 50 instant visas per week.
What are the main visa types under the new system?
The system includes permanent, temporary, and seasonal (Hajj and Umrah) work visas.
What is Saudization and why is it important?
Saudization is a national policy aimed at increasing employment opportunities for Saudi citizens in the private sector.
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