Other BriefingsSaudi Arabia Upgrades Digital Platforms for Visa Applications
Saudi Arabia continues to modernize its visa application process to promote ease of access, boost tourism and business travel, and enhance transparency with regards to labor management. We discuss in brief the KSA Visa platform and the Musaned platform as well as list requirements for a Saudi business visa.
Saudi Arabia recently launched the KSA Visa, an integrated national visa application platform that connects more than 30 ministries, authorities, and private-sector entities. This platform aims to streamline the visa application process for various purposes, including Hajj, Umrah, tourism, business visits, and employment.
KSA Visa
The official inauguration of the KSA Visa platform occurred during the second edition of the Digital Government Forum in Riyadh on December 19, 2023. The platform introduces several measures to enhance the visitor experience by simplifying vital visa issuance processes. It includes a smart search engine for easy access to available visas and serves as a centralized reference point, offering detailed information on visa requirements and application procedures across different categories. Additionally, users can benefit from an updated personal profile, facilitating the visa review and reapplication process.
Moreover, the KSA Visa platform has undergone enhancements through the integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. These improvements are designed to ensure data accuracy and increase the overall efficiency of the platform in alignment with the Kingdom’s overarching objectives.
This initiative follows the visit of Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, to India and is expected to particularly benefit Hajj pilgrims from India. According to local sources, approximately 2 million Indian pilgrims are anticipated to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj this year.
As part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to boost tourism, the country aims to achieve a target of 150 million annual tourist visits by 2030. According to the Saudi Gazette, the country issued over 18.6 million visas in 2023 and significantly reduced the processing time for digital visas to just 60 seconds.
Musaned platform
Besides the KSA Visa, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources has already established the Musaned platform, which offers users information regarding their rights, responsibilities, and associated services. These services include visa issuance, recruitment requests, and the contractual dynamics between employers and workers. The regulations cover various categories of domestic workers, such as housekeepers, drivers, housemaids, cleaners, cooks, guards, farmers, tailors, live-in nurses, tutors, and nannies. The Musaned platform facilitates the transfer of wages to labor through digital services like STC Pay and Urpay apps. Additionally, it offers functionalities such as transferring a domestic worker’s service between employers, validating domestic labor contracts, and resolving disputes.
Notably, in November last year, Saudi Arabia strengthened regulations for issuing visas to hire foreign domestic workers. The updated regulations specify that the minimum age for an individual employer to qualify for such a visa is now 24 years. Eligible applicants include Saudi citizens, Gulf nationals, foreign wives of Saudi men and their mothers, as well as holders of Saudi premium residency permits, subject to the financial capacity of the employers.
Applying for a Saudi visa on the KSA Visa platform
See here for more information and apply on the KSA Visa platform. Visa options include Visit, Transit, Work, and Hajj. The following come under ‘Other visa options’: Electronic Visa Waiver, Residency, Escort, Diplomatic Visa, Special Visa, Missions And Organisations Visit, Education Visa, Transport Of Goods, Re-entry Visa Extension, and Ratify Applications.
Business visa rules
Single Entry Visa:
- Validity: 90 days
- Duration of Stay: 90 days
Multiple Entry Visa:
- Validity: One year
- Duration of Stay: 90 days
Fees:
- $80 Visa Fee (refundable)
- $10.5 Digital Visa Service Fee (non-refundable)
- $10.5 Digital Insurance Service Fee (non-refundable)
- Insurance Fees (depending on the chosen insurance company)
Processing time: After submitting the invitation letter (if applicable) and visa application, processing typically takes one (1) to two (2) business days.
Eligibility: Business visit visas are granted to individuals of all nationalities.
Requirements:
- Submission of an invitation letter confirming your relationship with the inviting company and explaining the business purpose of the visit.
- If applying for a business visit visa without an invitation letter, provide information about your work in the visa application.
- Visitors must be at least 18 years old.
- Ensure the availability of all required documents in advance, including a valid passport for at least 6 months.
- Compliance with the laws and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during your visit.
Visit instructions:
- The business visit should not be associated with a permanent employment contract within the Kingdom.
- Easy travel between Saudi cities under the business visit visa.
- Performing Umrah is allowed under this visa.
- Pilgrims are not allowed to perform Hajj during their stay in Saudi Arabia under this visa.
Additional support: Contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through available communication channels for the latest and most accurate information on entry visa procedures for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Avoid dealing with individuals or companies not authorized when seeking assistance in submitting your application.
