Saudi Arabia: Issuing of Work Visas Restricted to Foreign Nationals' Country of Nationality

Analysis

Block visa applications filed on the Saudi Ministry of Labour's (MOL) website now limit the issuing of work visas to Saudi consular posts in foreign national employees' home countries. It is unclear whether this is a procedural change or a system limitation. Commercial or Work Visit Visas can still be issued from any Saudi consular post.

Block visa applications filed on the Saudi Ministry of Labour's (MOL) website now limit the issuing of work visas (used to obtain an Iqama and work permit) to Saudi consular posts in foreign nationals' home countries, as opposed to the previously available option to select a Saudi consular post in their country of residence. Commercial or Work Visit Visas can still be issued from any Saudi consular post.