Those who have returned on final exit from Saudi Arabia must provide exit documents when applying for a new visa
MUMBAI: New requirements have been applied for those returning from Saudi Arabia on final exit to re-enter the country on another visa. The Saudi Consulate in Mumbai has informed that once the returnee has made the final exit, the new visa will be stamped and issued only if they produce a copy of the exit documents. The law will come into effect from January 7.
The law states that those who go to the country on a re-entry visa and do not return later can return on another visa only after three years. But the new rules are being introduced after the number of people returning three years ago without following this.When the exit visa is issued, a document obtained from the Saudi Passport Office or a report from Muqeem System, which provides visa-related services for foreigners, must be submitted with the new visa application. The consulate has informed the recruiting agencies in India about this. Currently there were no such restrictions.
If you keep your passport in Saudi Arabia, you will be severely punished
Riyadh: In Saudi Arabia, if an employer withholds a worker’s passport, he will be punished with 15 years in prison and a fine of up to 10 lakh riyals. But the prosecution also stated that the employer can keep the passport of the worker with the permission of the worker.
The Ministry of Labor has already clarified that it is a violation of the law for the employer to keep the employee’s passport. But with the permission of the worker, the employer can keep their passport, the ministry said.
The levy for foreigners working in Saudi Arabia has been increased
Riyadh: The levy for foreigners working in Saudi Arabia has been increased. A monthly levy of 400 riyals had to be paid to foreigners in establishments where more foreigners than locals were employed. This will increase to 600 riyals from now on.
But if it is a company with majority of natives, foreigners should pay 500 riyals as levy. The levy does not apply to small establishments employing less than five workers.
Work visa in Saudi Arabia has been extended
Riyadh: The work visa period in Saudi Arabia has been extended for two years. The Ministry of Labor stated that the aim of this is to encourage the private sector.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare issued an order extending the validity of new work visas granted to private companies by two years. Earlier it was up to one year. Work visas currently granted to private firms require workers to be recruited within one year. But the ministry extended the order for two years. No special fee is required for this.