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Hiring non-Saudi employees from outside the country requires following the official procedures for issuing work visas. With the Instant Work Visa Services available on the Qiwa platform, companies can streamline the recruitment process, ensuring compliance with Saudi labor laws and regulations.
This guide provides a step-by-step process for hiring a non-Saudi employee through the Instant Work Visa Services in Saudi Arabia.
Step 1: Ensure Your Establishment Meets Business Requirements
Before initiating the hiring process, your business must meet the following criteria:
- Your Commercial Registration (CR) must be valid (except for businesses not requiring CR).
- Compliance with The Wage Protection System (WPS) is mandatory.
- Your establishment should have an active Qiwa account and be compliant with its requirements.
- Maintain a Nitaqat level of medium green or above (or small green (Class A) for businesses in the Expansion Period).
- No expired Work Permits for employees under the same establishment group.
- Ensure sufficient funds in the Ministry of Interior platforms such as Absher or Muqeem.
- Check your eligibility on Qiwa before proceeding.
- If your business does not qualify for hiring a non-Saudi, consider hiring a Saudi national instead.
Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Work Visa Type
Three types of work visas are available based on the nature of employment:
- Permanent Work Visa – Suitable for hiring long-term non-Saudi employees.
- Temporary Work Visa – Ideal for short-term contracts (up to 3 months).
- Seasonal Work Visa – Exclusively granted for employees during the Hajj season upon request.
- Each visa type serves a specific purpose, so ensure you select the right one for your business needs.
Step 3: Verify Your Recruitment Quota
Your establishment’s recruitment quota determines the number of work visas available. You can check your quota by logging into Qiwa Business Account.
To increase your quota:
- Upgrade your tier (for establishments in the Allowance Period).
- Improve your Nitaqat level (for establishments in the Expansion Phase).
For Temporary Work Visas, you can purchase visa packages:
- 1 visa: 1,000 SAR
- 5 visas: 4,850 SAR
- 10 visas: 9,300 SAR
- 50 visas: 45,000 SAR
You may also request a custom number of visas at an extra 10% discount.
Step 4: Issue the Selected Visa
Once you confirm your quota, you can issue the work visa on Qiwa. The generated visa number must be provided to your foreign recruitment agency for further processing.
Step 5: Prepare and Sign an Employment Contract
After selecting a suitable candidate, draft an employment contract and share it with the foreign recruitment agency for signing. This contract should outline all employment terms and conditions.
Create an Employment Contract Online
Step 6: Issue a Work Permit
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, the non-Saudi employee must have a Work Permit issued within 90 days via Qiwa.
- Select the employee’s border number on Qiwa.
- Choose a Work Permit duration (3, 6, 9, or 12 months).
⚠ Failure to issue a Work Permit within 90 days allows the employee to transfer to another employer without obligations.
Issue a Work Permit Online
Step 7: Obtain Medical Insurance
To apply for an Iqama (residence permit), employers must purchase medical insurance for their non-Saudi employee.
Get Medical Insurance
Step 8: Issue an Iqama Card
The final step is to issue an Iqama card via Absher to allow the employee to legally work in Saudi Arabia.
⚠ If an Iqama is not issued, the employee can transfer to another employer without obligations.
Issue an Iqama Online
Conclusion
Hiring a non-Saudi employee through Instant Work Visa Services requires strict adherence to Saudi labor laws and business regulations. The Qiwa platform simplifies the process by providing an efficient digital hiring solution.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Ensure your establishment meets the business requirements.
✅ Choose the right visa type for the employee.
✅ Check and manage your recruitment quota effectively.
✅ Complete all documentation and issue the Work Permit on time.
✅ Provide medical insurance and process the Iqama card for legal employment.
For expert assistance in business setup, visa processing, and hiring solutions in Saudi Arabia, J K Management Consultancies is here to help!
🔗 Contact J K Management Consultancies for seamless work visa and employment solutions.
