Saudi Arabia has introduced new limits on the number of work visas that businesses can obtain, creating a clearer distinction between newly established companies and more established employers as the kingdom adjusts its rules for hiring foreign workers.
As reported by the Economic Times on Thursday, under the revised framework, businesses that have been operating for less than two years can obtain up to five work visas, while companies that have been operating for more than two years can obtain as many as 50 visas.
The changes are expected to affect foreign workers seeking employment in Saudi Arabia, particularly those relying on smaller or recently established companies for sponsorship.
Businesses participating in the Establishing Programme are subject to a separate set of rules. Such companies begin with a quota of two work visas, with the quota increasing as they progress through the programme and achieve a higher Nitaqat classification.
Nitaqat is Saudi Arabia’s system for categorising employers based on the composition of their workforce and their employment of Saudi nationals.
