The Labor Ministry recently introduced an online recruitment service for the private sector in the Kingdom to issue work visas through its online website. Private companies can perform several services through the online site, while the ministry has stopped receiving any visa applications in paperwork.

Labor Minister Adel Fakeih recently stated that the ministry seeks to use technology to facilitate procedures and reduce paperwork. The electronic service will provide better assistance to companies which are safe in Nitaqat program, Fakeih said, noting that these services will ensure fast procedures to companies which shave succeeded to increase the Saudization rate.

The ministry confirmed private companies seeking to recruit workers to expand their business, can apply online following three steps. The first one is to verify the nature of the company, followed by a study of the request, based on their recruitment standards. The last step is approval and issuance of visas, sent to the company via e-mail.

Private firms will be able to see their visa balance on the ministry’s website, which also allows government agencies to see their contract information with the private sector.

As part of its new online system, the ministry recently confirmed that all recruitment offices must publish domestic workers’ information on the Musaned website to keep up with its transparency policy. These companies must display all the information available regarding the workers, including their nationalities and professions.

The ministry stated that all companies must disclose their recruitment costs to allow citizens and residents to choose the appropriate price for them, boosting competition between offices and companies to provide the best services. Penalties will be applied to companies which delay disclosure of costs.