Saudi Arabia, home to one of the largest Indian expatriate populations, is set to introduce stricter work visa regulations for Indian workers. Beginning January 14, 2025, individuals applying for work visas will be required to complete pre-verification of their professional and academic qualifications before their applications are approved.
Indians represent the second-largest expatriate group in Saudi Arabia, with over 2.4 million residents, following the Bangladeshi community. Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, have long been a hub for Indian workers, with over two million Indians employed across the region.
Why the New Rules?
The pre-verification requirement was proposed six months ago as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to streamline labor practices under its ambitious Vision 2030 plan. This initiative aims to reduce the influx of unqualified workers, improve labor market quality, and ensure compliance with stricter certification standards.
“Professional verification procedures for issuing work visas will be implemented from January 14,” a circular issued by the Saudi mission in India confirmed. These changes are intended to enhance the skill levels of expatriates entering the kingdom and maintain stricter quality controls.
Saudi Arabia has also updated rules for expats renewing their Iqama (residency permits) and extending exit and re-entry visas. The kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports announced that dependents of expats and domestic workers located outside Saudi Arabia can now renew their Iqama remotely.
Additionally, expats living abroad will have the option to extend the validity of single or multiple exit and re-entry visas.
The new requirements are expected to affect thousands of Indian workers planning to migrate to Saudi Arabia for employment. While these measures aim to improve the labor sector, they may pose challenges for workers lacking access to qualified training centers or adequate documentation.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan underscores the kingdom’s commitment to modernizing its workforce and creating a more efficient labor market. However, stricter policies could temporarily reduce the flow of Indian workers to the Gulf, impacting one of the largest expatriate communities in the region.