SAUDI ARABIA – Job Advertisement Period Extended to 45 Days
Effective immediately, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development has announced the extension of the job advertisement period on the Taqat Gateway. Jobs now posted on the portal need to remain for a period of 45 days, up from the previous requirement of 14 days.
Background
On 1 August 2016, the Ministry of Labour introduced a new labour portal and database named ‘Taqaat’. Employers are now required to first advertise job roles via the portal before applying for new block visas. The job vacancy must be posted for at least 45 days, to ensure that there are no locally qualified Saudi nationals who could fill the role. Proof of efforts to employ local applicants (evidence of interviews and justification for acceptance/rejection) is required in support of the block visa application.
Action Items
- Employers in Saudi Arabia planning to apply for new block visas for foreign national employees should take this longer advertising period into account when planning the timing of projects, and should consult an immigration provider.
