Saudi Arabia 2-Year Temporary Work Permit: Application Procedure

The Saudi Arabia 2-Year Temporary Work Permit lets foreign workers take short-term jobs in the Kingdom. It supports the country’s growing economy and encourages international teamwork. The permit makes it easier for workers to take temporary jobs and gives employers more flexibility.

The permit allows professionals to work on important projects, explore job options, and think about long-term work in the country. For employers, it makes hiring skilled workers for urgent projects easier, especially in fields that need special skills. It helps workers start quickly and reduces paperwork, making it easier for businesses to keep up with changing needs.

This plan supports Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to grow the economy and reduce dependence on oil. Saudi Arabia wants to become a leader in innovation, investment, and global partnerships by bringing in foreign talent. 

Eligibility Requirements for Saudi Arabia’s 2-Year Temporary Work Permit

Employers must meet certain requirements to qualify for the Saudi Arabia 2-Year Temporary Work Permit. These rules ensure the process is smooth and follows national laws.

Conditions for Employers

Valid Commercial Register (CR)

Employers must have a valid Commercial Register (CR) for their business. The CR proves the business is legally recognized and allowed to operate in Saudi Arabia. Businesses not needing commercial registration are exempt from this rule.

Status of the Establishment

The establishment must meet the following conditions:

• It must be classified as “Existing” in the national database.
• The business must have a Nitiqat rating of medium green or higher. This rating system measures how well businesses comply with Saudization (hiring Saudi nationals). A higher rating shows better compliance and improves eligibility.

Compliance with the Wage Protection System (WPS)

The employer must follow the Wage Protection System (WPS). This system ensures employees are paid fully and on time, showing the company’s commitment to fair labor practices. Failing to comply with WPS will hurt the application.

Visa Issuance Balance

The company must have enough visa issuance balance. This balance controls how many temporary work permits the company can apply for. A low balance will stop the company from issuing new permits.

Application Process for the Saudi Arabia 2-Year Temporary Work Permit

The Saudi Arabia 2-Year Temporary Work Permit application is done through the Qiwa platform. This online service makes applying for a visa easier. It helps businesses with labor-related services and makes the process more efficient.

Qiwa is an online platform from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. It helps businesses manage labor-related services, like visa applications. The platform is easy to use with a simple layout and clear steps. No physical documents are needed, making the process easier. Once the application is submitted, it is processed quickly for timely approval of the temporary work permit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Temporary Work Permit

Log in to the Organisation’s Account on Qiwa

To start the application, the employer must log into the Qiwa platform using the organization’s registered account. If the organization doesn’t have an account, one must be created first.

Select the Temporary Work Visa Service

After logging in, go to the e-services section and choose the Temporary Work Visa Service option. This will take you to the application form for the 2-year permit.

Fill in All Required Details

Fill out the application form with all required information, including details about the employer, the worker, and the job role. Make sure all fields are correct to avoid delays or rejection.

Submit the Request

After entering the required details, check the information for accuracy. Once confirmed, submit the request for the temporary work visa. The application will be processed right away through Qiwa.

Visa Fees and Payment Process for the Saudi Arabia 2-Year Temporary Work Permit

When applying for the Saudi Arabia 2-Year Temporary Work Permit, employers need to pay a fee. It’s important to know the fee details and payment options for a smooth application. Below are the fee information, payment process, and refund policies.

Fee Details for the 2-Year Permit

The cost for a 2-year temporary work permit is SAR 1,000 (about USD 266). This fee applies to each work permit application. Employers should make sure they have enough funds to pay before starting the application.

Payment Methods

The payment for the visa fee is processed directly through the Qiwa platform. Employers can make payments using the following methods:

• Payments can be made securely using major credit or debit cards issued by recognized financial institutions.
• In some cases, bank transfers may be accepted. Employers should verify this option through the Qiwa platform.
• Various local and international payment services may be supported, depending on the user’s location.

Refund Policies and Cancellation

In certain cases, an employer may need to cancel the temporary work visa request. The following conditions apply to refunds and cancellations:

• If the employer decides to cancel the visa package after payment, they can request a refund. The cancellation request must be submitted through the Qiwa platform.
• The refund process is straightforward, and the amount will be refunded to the original payment method. Refunds may take a few business days to process, depending on the method used for payment.
• Some fees, such as administrative charges, may not be eligible for refund. Employers should review the refund terms carefully before making the payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Temporary Work Permit be Converted to a Permanent One?

No, it is for temporary or project-based work only.

How Long Does it Take to Process the Temporary Work Visa?

The visa is typically processed immediately after submission and payment.

What Happens if my Application is Rejected?

Rejection can occur due to insufficient balance, expired visas, or non-compliance with WPS.

Conclusion

The application process for the Saudi Arabia 2-Year Temporary Work Permit is simple. Employers can apply easily through the Qiwa platform. The steps are: log in, choose the right service, fill in the details, and submit the application. The platform is fast and doesn’t require submitting physical documents, making it easy for businesses.