Saudi Arabia: New Work Visa Rules for Indian Workers Starting January 14

In a significant move aimed at improving the quality of its workforce and boosting Saudization efforts, Saudi Arabia has introduced new regulations for Indian workers. Starting January 14, 2025, all Indian nationals applying for work visas in Saudi Arabia must undergo mandatory pre-verification of their professional and academic qualifications.

This new policy announced six months after the initial proposal, is expected to streamline the recruitment process and enhance the overall quality of the Kingdom’s workforce.

Impact on Indian Workers

Indians, the second-largest expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, play a vital role in the country’s labour market. As of 2024, over 2.4 million Indian workers reside in Saudi Arabia, including 1.64 million in the private sector and 785,000 in domestic work.

While these workers significantly contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economy and send substantial remittances back to India, the new policy may pose challenges due to limited qualified training centres across India.

Pre-Verification Requirement Details

According to a circular issued by the Saudi mission in India, professional verification will be mandatory for work visa issuance starting January 14. Establishment owners and HR departments in Saudi Arabia are urged to verify the credentials of expatriate employees. The verification process is intended to:

• Streamline recruitment procedures.
• Attract skilled expatriate talent.
• Improve worker retention rates.

Concerns Over Limited Testing Centers

One of the major concerns raised by foreign workers and their representatives is the limited number of testing centres available for mandatory qualification verification. This has led to logistical and financial burdens for many applicants, particularly those residing in remote areas.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Introduces New Short-Term Work Visa: Check Eligibility, Process, and Cancellation Policy

Focus on Skilled Expatriates

The new regulations align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes increasing employment opportunities for Saudi nationals. By raising recruitment standards and focusing on attracting highly skilled expatriates, the Kingdom aims to elevate the overall quality of its workforce.

Improving Working Conditions

The Saudi government has also taken steps to improve the working conditions for Indian workers, including streamlining dispute resolution processes and promoting a more favourable environment for female employment.

What This Means for Travellers

These changes in visa regulations may have a subtle impact on travellers planning to visit or work in Saudi Arabia. Potential travellers must be aware of these new requirements and ensure they have the necessary documentation to comply with the updated regulations.

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