The Saudi government has recently implemented new travel regulations, significantly impacting travelers entering the country. One of the key changes in the travel advisory is the requirement for passports to have a validity of at least six months for entry into Saudi Arabia. This decision applies to all travelers, regardless of the type of visa they hold.
Saawi Aviation, the authority responsible for aviation regulations in Saudi Arabia, has issued directives to all airlines operating in the country to enforce this requirement strictly. Passengers found to have passports with less than six months’ validity are to be denied boarding. This move has prompted airlines to inform travel agencies and passengers alike about the new regulations, ensuring compliance and avoiding disruptions in travel plans.
These changes in travel requirements come amidst broader reforms in Saudi Arabia’s visa and labor policies. Last year, the kingdom introduced significant modifications to its regulations governing work visas for foreign domestic workers. The aim of these reforms is to modernize the labor market and establish transparent and fair relationships between employers and domestic workers.
One of the key aspects of the reforms is the Ministry of Human Resources’ initiative to raise the standards for obtaining visas to hire foreign domestic workers. The focus is particularly on individuals aged 24 and above, aiming to ensure a more mature and responsible workforce in the domestic sector. This move aligns with the government’s broader efforts to enhance the quality of life for both foreign workers and Saudi citizens.
Under the revamped rules, certain categories of individuals are eligible to apply for work visas. This includes Saudi citizens, Gulf nationals, foreign wives of Saudi men, and their mothers, along with holders of Saudi premium residency permits. However, eligibility is subject to the financial capacity of the employer, ensuring that they can adequately support the hired domestic workers.
At the forefront of this transformation is the Musaned platform, a comprehensive digital system developed by the Ministry of Human Resources. This platform plays a crucial role in educating users about their rights and responsibilities as employers or employees. It provides a range of services, including visa application processes, recruitment requests, and management of employment relationships.
One of the key features of the Musaned platform is its ability to facilitate the seamless transfer of wages through digital means. This includes popular digital payment apps such as STC Pay and Urpay, ensuring that domestic workers receive their salaries promptly and securely. By digitizing wage transfers, the platform aims to eliminate delays and discrepancies in payment, enhancing the overall welfare of domestic workers.
The implementation of these reforms underscores Saudi Arabia‘s commitment to modernize its labor market and improve the working conditions for both domestic workers and their employers. By raising the standards for obtaining work visa and leveraging digital platforms like Musaned, the kingdom aims to foster a more transparent, efficient, and equitable labor market for all stakeholders involved.