Understanding Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Worker Visa Regulations 2023
Foreign Worker Visa Regulations
Introduction
Saudi Arabia has strict laws and regulations in place to manage the entry, residence, and exit of foreign workers in the country.
The Saudi Department of Passport and Immigration, known as Adara Jawazat, is responsible for issuing and renewing residence permits for foreign workers, while the Ministry of Manpower and Social Welfare is responsible for issuing and renewing work permits for workers.
It is important for foreign workers to understand these laws and regulations to ensure compliance and avoid any legal issues.
Mandatory Sponsorship and Illegal Work
It is mandatory for foreign workers to work for the company or sponsor on whose visa they have entered the country.
Working for another company or individual without proper sponsorship is considered illegal and can result in deportation from the Kingdom.
Deportation and Re-entry
A person who has been deported from Saudi Arabia for violating immigration laws or committing a crime may not be able to enter the Kingdom again.
According to the new amended law, persons who are deported under the Jurisprudence Act cannot enter the Kingdom on any visa for life.
In the past, deportation laws were different, and deportees were only blacklisted for a limited period of time.
Expired Iqama and Negligent Sponsors
A foreign worker’s residence and work permit, known as an Iqama, must be renewed by the sponsor at the appointed time. If the sponsor neglects to renew the Iqama, a penalty of 500 riyals may be imposed.
In this case, the worker can refer the issue to the specific department of the Ministry of Manpower that deals with settling disputes between employers and employees.
It is important to note that a foreigner cannot even get an exit visa on the expiry date of the Iqama. Therefore, it is better to renew Iqama in time to avoid fines and other difficulties.
Protection of Employers and Employees
A special department has been set up in the Ministry of Labour to protect the rights of employers and employees.
Any kind of violation can be referred to this department, which deals with disputes and grievances between employers and employees.
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Conclusion
It is important for foreign workers in Saudi Arabia to understand and comply with the country’s immigration laws and regulations.
Sponsorship is mandatory and working for another company or individual without proper sponsorship is considered illegal. Deportation laws have been amended, and persons who are deported under the Jurisprudence Act cannot enter the Kingdom on any visa for life.
The sponsor is responsible for renewing the Iqama of the worker and any negligence on the part of the sponsor can be referred to the specific department of the Ministry of Manpower.
A special department has been set up in the Ministry of Labour to protect the rights of employers and employees.
