Employers must use the existing online Labour and Social Development Ministry portal (which has been linked to the Human Resources Development Fund's electronic system, called Taqat) to create a job opening which is accessible to Saudi nationals. If no suitable local candidate is available for the position, the authorities will adjudicate the block visa request. Block visa approval is mandatory for the work authorisation process for foreign nationals.

Employers obtaining block visas under the Government contract or Government support categories, are also required to go through labour market testing in order to activate the pre-approved block visa balance.

Creating a Job Post

Employers are required to complete a few mandatory fields to create a job post, including:

• a job type (permanent, short-term, internship, etc.);

• job title;

• occupation level;

• number of positions available;

• education level;

• minimum experience; and

• desired start date and gross salary.