Africa & Middle East Immigration Spotlight

  • by Dilbagh Singh Sandhu

    • Saudi Arabia: Major Work Visa Policy Shifts

    Temporary Work Visa Suspension & Reinstatement:

    • April 28, 2025: Saudi Arabia suspended all Temporary Work Visas (TWVs), affecting new and pending applications
    • June 12, 2025: The temporary hold on block work visa quotas was lifted for nationals from several countries including Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, and Ethiopia
    • New Development: Saudi Arabia has extended temporary work visa validity from 90 days to 6 months with multiple entries allowed

    Umrah Visa Reopening: Saudi authorities reopened Umrah, business, and family visit visa applications for citizens of 14 countries (including India) after the Hajj period concluded in mid-June 2025.

    UAE: Revolutionary Employment Visa Changes

    Extended Employment Visa Period: The UAE’s Federal National Council increased employment visa validity from 2 to 3 years, aimed at reducing financial burdens on employers and employees.

    New Visit Visa for Work Purposes: June 2025 Launch: UAE introduced a groundbreaking “Visit Visa for Work Purposes” allowing skilled professionals to work short-term without employer sponsorship – a game-changer for freelancers and consultants.

    Enhanced Work Permit Requirements: New employment visa rules require employers to have valid business licenses and clean labor law compliance records to sponsor work permits.

    🌍 Regional Business Impact

    For Oil & Gas and Power Generation Companies:

    Given your representation in these sectors, these changes are particularly significant:

    • Saudi Arabia’s 6-month temporary work visas are perfect for project-based contractors in oil & gas
    • UAE’s sponsorship-free work visas open new opportunities for technical consultants
    • Extended 3-year UAE employment visas reduce administrative overhead for long-term projects

    For Telecommunications Sector:

    • Streamlined processes in both countries support digital infrastructure projects
    • Reduced visa renewal frequency in UAE improves project continuity

    💡 Strategic Opportunities

    For Recruitment Agencies:

    • Saudi Arabia’s quota reinstatement creates immediate placement opportunities
    • UAE’s new work visa categories expand service offerings

    For Contractors:

    • Multiple-entry Saudi visas eliminate frequent visa runs
    • UAE’s sponsorship-free options provide unprecedented flexibility

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