Saudi Arabia Implements Stricter Work Visa Rules For Indians: Mandatory Pre-Verification

Indian workers applying for employment in Saudi Arabia must now undergo a mandatory pre-verification process for their professional and educational qualifications. Effective from January 14, 2025, this step has been introduced to regulate the entry of skilled workers and improve recruitment standards. The move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative and is expected to enhance the quality of its workforce. This new requirement impacts Indian workers, the second-largest expatriate community in the kingdom, and introduces challenges such as logistical hurdles for verification and stricter visa application processes.

What are the new Saudi visa rules

Under the updated rules, pre-verification of educational and professional credentials has become a compulsory step for all Indian workers seeking a Saudi work visa. This initiative was first proposed six months ago as part of Saudi Arabia’s effort to streamline its recruitment processes.

The key objectives of these rules are:

• Verifying qualifications before issuing work visas
• Enhancing recruitment standards to maintain a skilled workforce
• Encouraging employers in Saudi Arabia to validate workers’ documents and certificates

Applicants must ensure their qualifications are verified to meet these stringent requirements, making the Saudi visa check an essential part of the process.

Why pre-verification is mandatory

The pre-verification requirement addresses specific challenges faced by the Saudi labour market and the influx of expatriate workers. Indians, who make up over 2.4 million of the expatriate population, play a crucial role in the country’s workforce. However, the increasing number of applications has highlighted several issues:

• Limited training centres: The availability of authorised verification centres, such as those in Ajmer and Sikar in Rajasthan, is restricted. This creates logistical challenges, particularly for applicants from other regions, including South India.
• Quality control: The pre-verification process ensures that only skilled and qualified workers enter the Saudi labour market, thereby reducing the risks of fraudulent applications.
• Vision 2030 alignment: Saudi Arabia’s focus on modernising its economy and raising recruitment standards is supported by this mandatory requirement.

These rules aim to address these challenges while enhancing the quality and efficiency of the workforce in Saudi Arabia.

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How these rules impact Indian workers

The mandatory pre-verification process significantly impacts Indian workers, introducing both challenges and opportunities.

• Higher costs: Applicants may need to bear the expenses of travelling to distant test centres and pay fees for document verification.
• Increased competition: The elevated standards require workers to possess verified and authentic qualifications, intensifying the competition for jobs.
• Logistical difficulties: With limited training centres located in select parts of India, workers from other regions face difficulties accessing these facilities.
• Professional opportunities: On the positive side, workers with verified credentials may have better chances of securing higher-paying and more stable jobs in Saudi Arabia.

Applicants are advised to use tools like visa check online by passport number to stay updated on the status of their applications and ensure all documentation is in order.

Updates on iqama and visa renewals

In addition to the pre-verification requirement, Saudi Arabia has made updates to residency permits (Iqama) and visa renewals, benefiting expatriates working in the kingdom.

• Iqama renewals: Expatriates, whether inside or outside Saudi Arabia, can now renew their Iqamas online. This simplifies the process and reduces the need for in-person visits.
• Exit and re-entry visas: Extensions for these visas can also be completed online, ensuring a smoother process for expatriates managing their travel and work permits.

These updates aim to provide greater flexibility and convenience for expatriates while ensuring compliance with Saudi regulations.

Challenges with the verification process

While the new rules aim to raise recruitment standards, they also present practical challenges for Indian workers.

• Geographical disparity: Workers from regions far from the available test centres face increased travel expenses and time constraints.
• Linguistic barriers: Language differences at test centres may make it difficult for some applicants to complete the verification process successfully.
• Processing delays: The high volume of applicants undergoing pre-verification could lead to longer waiting times, delaying visa approvals.

To mitigate these issues, applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents well in advance and monitor their application progress using a Saudi visa check system.

How employers can adapt to the new rules

Employers in Saudi Arabia play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with these updated regulations. Proactive measures can help them streamline the hiring process while adhering to the new standards.

• Certificate validation: Employers should prioritise verifying the qualifications and credentials of potential hires before extending job offers.
• Collaboration with agencies: Partnering with licensed recruitment agencies can help employers navigate the complexities of the verification process.
• Upskilling initiatives: Employers may consider offering training programmes to enhance the skills of their workforce and align with the recruitment standards set by the new rules.

How to perform a Saudi visa check

Tracking the progress of a visa application is now simpler, thanks to online tools. Applicants can use systems such as visa check online by passport number to monitor their application status and ensure they meet all requirements.

These tools provide transparency and allow workers to plan their travel and work arrangements efficiently, reducing delays caused by incomplete documentation or processing issues.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s implementation of mandatory pre-verification requirements for Indian workers highlights the kingdom’s commitment to enhancing the quality of its workforce. These updated rules align with Vision 2030 goals and aim to create a skilled and competitive labour market.

While the changes introduce logistical and financial challenges for Indian workers, they also present opportunities for professionals with verified qualifications to secure better positions in Saudi Arabia. By leveraging tools like the Saudi visa check and visa check online by passport number, applicants can stay informed and navigate the new process efficiently.

This shift in recruitment standards reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of modernising its economy and workforce, paving the way for a more robust and skilled expatriate community in the years to come.