Saudi Arabia Implements 90-Day Work Permit Rule for Expats

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced a new regulation requiring employers to secure work permits for foreign workers within 90 days of their arrival in the Kingdom. This rule places the responsibility on employers rather than the expatriate workers themselves.

The countdown begins the moment a foreign employee enters Saudi Arabia, mandating that the hiring facility must issue a valid work permit within the specified timeframe. This regulation is particularly significant for many African professionals from countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda, who seek job opportunities in various sectors including healthcare, construction, hospitality, and domestic services.

Expatriates are advised to proactively follow up with their employers to ensure that the work permit process is initiated before the 90-day deadline. This regulation is part of Saudi Arabia's broader labor framework that governs the relationship between foreign workers and their sponsors.