Saudi Arabia has reduced the number of instant work visas available to newly established businesses, introducing stricter limits as authorities continue efforts to regulate recruitment and strengthen labour market compliance.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the change through its Qiwa platform, which manages labour market services and employment-related procedures across the Kingdom.
According to Qiwa, businesses that have operated for less than two years can now obtain a maximum of five instant work visas.
“Businesses that have been operating for less than two years will be eligible for a maximum of five instant visas.”
The platform said companies that have operated for more than two years can receive up to 50 instant visas.
“For companies older than two years, the limit rises to 50 visas in a single application or multiple applications submitted within the same week at the entity level.”
The move forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader labour market reforms under Vision 2030. Authorities continue to encourage private-sector growth while increasing compliance with employment regulations and Saudisation targets.
Saudisation performance linked to visa allocations
Qiwa also outlined special provisions for businesses enrolled in the Establishment Programme.
The platform said eligible businesses will initially receive two visas.
Additional allocations will depend on improvements in Saudisation performance.
“The platform said businesses enrolled in the Establishment Programme and meeting the required criteria would initially receive two visas, with additional visa allocations available after increasing their Saudisation rates.”
Saudi Arabia’s Saudisation programme, known as Nitaqat, aims to increase the participation of Saudi nationals in the private sector. Companies receive classifications based on their employment of Saudi citizens, ranging from red and yellow categories to green and platinum levels.
Under the latest rules, employers must maintain at least a medium green classification or higher to qualify for overseas recruitment through instant visas.
The Kingdom has expanded labour market reforms in recent years. These reforms seek to balance foreign workforce requirements with opportunities for Saudi citizens.
Ten conditions for recruiting foreign workers
Qiwa also detailed 10 requirements that companies must meet before recruiting non-Saudi workers from abroad.
The conditions include maintaining active business status and holding valid commercial registration documents.
Employers must also maintain valid work permits for existing employees and comply with Saudisation requirements.
Additional conditions require compliance with the Wage Protection System and sufficient balances on government platforms such as Absher and Muqeem.
Companies employing 10 or more workers must complete annual self-assessment requirements.
Businesses must also register employee work locations through the Qiwa platform.
Furthermore, employers must be at least 18 years old and maintain sufficient recruitment quota balances based on the visa category requested.
The latest measures highlight Saudi Arabia’s continued focus on regulating labour market practices while supporting sustainable business growth and workforce development.
