Saudi Arabia Implements Stricter Rules for Work Visa, Sets Age Requirement

In a bid to enhance the recruitment and regulation of domestic labour, Saudi Arabia has introduced new visa requirements for individuals seeking to hire foreign domestic workers.

The updated regulations, announced by Musaned, the government platform overseeing domestic labour in the Kingdom, establish specific eligibility criteria for visa applications.

Key Highlights of the New Work Visa Rules

Minimum Age Requirement Raised to 24 Years

Under the newly introduced regulations, the minimum age for a single employer to obtain a work visa for domestic help is now set at 24 years. This move is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to bring transparency and efficiency to the recruitment process.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for obtaining a Saudi Work Visa include Saudi citizens, Gulf nationals, foreign wives of Saudi men, and their mothers.

Financial Capability Assessment

Additionally, individuals holding Saudi premium residency permits are eligible to apply for visas, contingent on the financial capabilities of the employers.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Expands E-Visa Services, Opening Doors to Global Investors

Application Process

The Musaned platform, established by the Ministry of Human Resources, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the application process. It empowers users by providing information about their rights, duties, and related services, covering aspects such as visa issuance, recruitment requests, and the contractual relationship between employers and workers

Key features of the platform include:

• Comprehensive Information: Employers can access detailed information about their rights, duties, and related services.
• Simplified Visa Issuance: The platform facilitates the visa application process for domestic workers.
• Contract Management: Employers can manage recruitment requests and contractual relationships with domestic workers through the platform.
• Digital Wage Transfers: Wage transfers to domestic workers are facilitated through secure digital services like STC Pay and Urpay apps.
• Dispute Resolution Mechanism: Musaned provides a platform for addressing disputes and resolving issues between employers and domestic workers.

Promoting Transparency and Efficiency

The implementation of these new regulations and the utilization of the Musaned platform aims to bring transparency, efficiency, and fairness to the domestic labour market in Saudi Arabia.

By establishing clear guidelines and providing a centralized platform for recruitment and dispute resolution, the Kingdom is taking steps to ensure the well-being of both employers and domestic workers.

Domestic Worker Categories Covered

The new regulations encompass a wide range of domestic worker categories, including housekeepers, drivers, housemaids, cleaners, cooks, guards, farmers, tailors, live-in nurses, tutors, and nannies.

This comprehensive coverage ensures that the regulations cater to the diverse needs of Saudi households.

Conclusion

The introduction of these stricter visa requirements and the emphasis on utilizing the Musaned platform underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to regulating the domestic labour market and safeguarding the rights of both employers and domestic workers.

These measures aim to promote transparency, efficiency, and fairness in the recruitment and employment process.