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Saudi Arabia issues seasonal work visas specifically for employees working during the Hajj season. These visas are regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and are restricted to certain occupations, activities, and nationalities. They are valid for three months and cannot be used outside the Hajj season. If your business requires seasonal workers, this guide will walk you through the requirements, application process, costs, and additional key details.
What is a Seasonal Work Visa?
A seasonal work visa is a temporary visa granted to employees working in Saudi Arabia exclusively during the Hajj season. It allows businesses to hire workers for roles that support the influx of pilgrims during this period.
Who Can Apply for a Seasonal Work Visa?
Seasonal work visas are only issued upon request by the Saudi government entities responsible for managing the Hajj season. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development oversees the process and determines the permitted activities, occupations, and nationalities eligible for the visa.
Validity of Seasonal Work Visas
A seasonal work visa is valid for three months.
It is only available during the Hajj season.
These visas cannot be used for employment outside of the designated Hajj period.
Business Requirements to Issue Seasonal Work Visas
Before requesting a seasonal work visa, your establishment must meet the following conditions:
Active Business Status
The company must be actively operating and hold a valid Commercial Registration (CR), except for activities that do not require a CR (a list of such activities is available on official platforms).
Compliance with Wage Protection System
Your company must be compliant with the Wage Protection System (WPS), ensuring timely and transparent salary payments to employees.
Allowed Business Activity
The company must be engaged in activities permitted for seasonal work visas. The allowed activities can be verified on the Qiwa platform.
Nitaqat Compliance
The company must be in the low green Nitaqat level or above. If your company falls under the "very small" category, it must at least be in the green level.
No Expired Work Permits
The company must not have any expired work permits under the same Establishment Group.
If your business meets these requirements, you can proceed with the seasonal work visa application.
How to Apply for a Seasonal Work Visa
Once your establishment meets the eligibility criteria, follow these steps to request and issue a seasonal work visa:
1. Log in to Qiwa:
Access your business account on the Qiwa platform.
2. Navigate to the Visas Section:
Go to the “Services” page and select “Visas.”
3. Select the Seasonal Work Visa Option:
Click on the “Issue Visa” button under the Seasonal Work Visa section.
4. Ministry Endorsement Selection:
Choose the Ministry endorsement you want to use and proceed to the next step.
5. Specify Visa Requirements:
- Enter the number of visas you need based on the available occupations.
- Click “Next step” to proceed.
6. Provide Establishment Address & Inspection Details:
Choose your business location and schedule an inspection date and time (within the next two weeks).
7. Review & Payment Process:
Check the summary of your request.
Click “Go to Payment” and accept Qiwa’s Terms and Conditions.
Submit the payment.
8. Ensure Sufficient Funds:
Fees will be deducted from your establishment’s fund in the Ministry of Interior’s account.
It may take up to 72 hours for the visa data to be updated in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Cost of Seasonal Work Visas
A single seasonal work visa costs 2,000 SAR. The fee is automatically deducted from your establishment’s fund in the Ministry of Interior’s account.
Limitations on Seasonal Work Visas
The number of visas granted depends on government approvals and business activity type.
Companies cannot increase or alter the allocated balance of seasonal work visas.
Visas must be used within the Hajj season.
Next Steps After Issuing Seasonal Work Visas
After obtaining a seasonal work visa, businesses must:
- Delegate their non-Saudi employees on the Enjaz platform.
Proceed with the hiring process by recruiting non-Saudi employees under the visa.
How to Cancel and Refund Seasonal Work Visas
If you need to cancel a seasonal work visa, follow these steps:
1. Log in to Qiwa:
Access your business account on the Qiwa platform.
2. Go to the Seasonal Work Visa Service Page:
Navigate to the “Seasonal Work Visa” service section.
3. Select the Visa to be Canceled:
Open the list of issued seasonal work visas.
Click on the details of the visa you want to cancel.
4. Confirm Cancellation:
Click the “Cancel” button and confirm the cancellation request.
Important:
If you have not used any of the issued visas, they will automatically be canceled on the first day of the Hajj month.
Refunds are subject to Ministry policies and will be processed accordingly.
Conclusion
Seasonal work visas are essential for businesses operating during the Hajj season, enabling them to hire workers temporarily. To ensure a smooth application process, businesses must comply with Saudi labor laws, meet the eligibility criteria, and follow the necessary steps on the Qiwa platform. Understanding the costs, limitations, and cancellation procedures will help businesses make informed decisions when applying for seasonal work visas.
For further details, visit the Qiwa platform or consult the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s official website.
J K Management Consultancies is here to assist you with all business setup, visa assistance, and licensing requirements in Saudi Arabia. Contact us today at JK Management for expert guidance on obtaining seasonal work visas and other business solutions.
