Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Sign 30 MoU to Facilitate Skilled Worker Employment

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to promote the employment of skilled Pakistani workers across various sectors in Saudi Arabia.

The agreements were formalized in Riyadh by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, alongside Chairman Tevta, Brigadier Retired Sajid Khokhar, and officials from the Special Investment Facilitation Council.

Efforts are being made to mobilize public and private vocational training centers in Pakistan to ensure that skilled workers receive training aligned with the needs of the Saudi labor market. The Pakistani government is committed to taking practical steps to create employment opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, and globally.

New Regulations for Seasonal Work Visas in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently introduced new regulations for temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services. Visa holders can now stay for up to 90 days, with the option to extend for an additional 90 days. This update aims to improve flexibility in the private sector and align visa policies with labor market demands.

The grace period for these visas will run from Shaban 15 to the end of Muharram, facilitating the hiring of temporary workers during the Umrah season. To increase transparency, the ministry has established specific processing timeframes and requires signed employment contracts and medical insurance for visa issuance.

Strict penalties are set to prevent misuse, including fines of up to 50,000 Saudi riyals for companies selling temporary visas and potential bans from Hajj and Umrah services for up to five years. These regulations will take effect 180 days after approval, allowing businesses time to comply.

Source: Web desk