Saudi Arabia work visa validity reduced to one year

Employment visas issued for private sector companies in Saudi Arabia will now be valid for only one year.

According to Minister of Labor and Social Development Dr. Ali Al Ghafis, this rule will not be applicable for visas issued to government servants as well as domestic workers.

The decision was taken on the basis of Article 11 of the Labor Law under which the minister can take the procedures that are deemed necessary for improving the efficiency of the employment market, Saudi Gazette reported.

Earlier this week, the minister issued another order allowing foreign mothers of Saudis as well as non-Saudi children of Saudi women to work in those professions which are restricted only to Saudi nationals.