JEDDAH, 31 May 2005 — The validity of labor visas will be restricted to one year beginning June 8, according to Labor Minister Ghazi Al-Gosaibi. “The visa will be canceled after a year and will not be renewed nor will its validity be extended,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted him as saying.
However, Gosaibi said, the beneficiaries could request alterations to visas such as changing the name or nationality within six months after issuance.
The new measure has been taken after reports of misusing visa extensions for the purpose of forgery and illegal visa transactions, he added. “Many firms have disappeared after receiving visas or their ownership has been transferred to others,” Gosaibi said explaining the reasons for taking the new decision, which he added, would prevent duplication of visas.
The new move comes as part of the government’s efforts to reduce dependence on foreign workers and create more employment opportunities for Saudis.
In February this year, the Council of Ministers adopted a number of decisions to assist in the country’s Saudization drive and said companies which failed to comply with Saudization regulations would not be awarded government contracts.
“All relevant government agencies as well as universities and the media must support the measures taken by the Labor Ministry to cut the number of labor visas, train Saudis and activate the private sector’s role in the employment of Saudis,” a Cabinet statement said.
The Kingdom has decided to cut the number of foreign workers to 20 percent of its total population within 10 years.
