Suspension On Work Visit Visas Restricts Foreign Nationals Seeking Short-Term Work Authorization

At a Glance

• Immigration authorities in Saudi Arabia have unexpectedly replaced Work Visit and Commercial Visit Visas with a uniform Visit Visa for Business, which states "not permitted to work" on the visa sticker.
• As a result, foreign nationals are unable to obtain short-term work authorization in Saudi Arabia at this time, as the only method for doing so was through a Work Visit Visa.
• It is unclear what, if any, impact there is on current Work Visit Visas holders whose visa was issued before the regulation came into effect.
• Fragomen is discussing the impact of the change and potential solutions for short-term work with Saudi consular authorities and relevant ministries to determine, among other issues, which activities are permissible and prohibited under the uniform Visit Visa for Business.