Key Requirement for Onboarding Expats to Saudi Arabia

Onboarding new foreign employees in Saudi Arabia involves a unique set of legal and administrative requirements. Understanding the intricacies of the employee onboarding process becomes essential with businesses expand in Saudi Arabia. From securing work visas and residency permits (Iqama) to registering with local authorities and establishing employment contracts, there are many steps to ensure compliance and a smooth transition. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of the essential legal and administrative requirements, helping employers facilitate a seamless integration for their international employees.

1. Legal and Administrative Requirements

• Work Visa and Residency Permit (Iqama)

The first and foremost step is securing the necessary visas and work permits. This involves coordinating with ministry of investment and ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) Ensure all documentation, such as passports, employment contracts, and academic certificates, are in order. The employee's visa must be secured through the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in their home country once the work permit is issued. The Submit the employee's passport and required documents.

The process requires:

• Submitting the employee's passport and required documents.
• Completing the necessary payments.

Issuing the work visa typically takes 1-2 weeks. Utilizing a professional service such TASC can help navigate the complexities of the process and ensure compliance with Saudi labor laws.

Residency Permit (Iqama): Once the employee arrives in Saudi Arabia, they must obtain a residency permit, known as Iqama. This process includes a medical examination and fingerprinting. The Iqama allows the employee to legally reside and work in Saudi Arabia and must be renewed annually.

• Medical Examination

In Saudi Arabia, foreign employees must undergo a medical examination as part of the residency permit (Iqama) process. This examination ensures that the employee is in good health and free from infectious diseases. Coordinate with local healthcare providers to ensure a smooth and timely completion of this requirement. You have to note that the medical certificate is valid for 3 months. Once the medical examination is cleared, assist the employee in obtaining their Iqama and registering with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI).

• Registration with Authorities

General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI)

The employee must be registered with GOSI, to ensure coverage under the Saudi social insurance system. Employers must provide health insurance coverage for their employees. This ensures that the employee has access to necessary medical services and complies with Saudi labour laws. The registration benefits include: health insurance, workers' compensation, and pension plan.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD)

The employee must be registered with MHRSD, to obtain a residence permit. Issuing the residence permit typically takes 1-2 weeks. The process requires:

• Submitting the employee's passport and required documents.
• Completing the necessary payments.

2. Employment Documentation

• Employment Contract

A detailed employment contract should be drafted, clearly outlining the terms of employment, including: Job description, responsibilities, salary, benefits, working hours, leave policies, and termination conditions. Ensure the employee's salary and benefits align with Saudi labour standards. This includes: minimum salary requirements, overtime pay and allowances, and annual leave and holidays. The contract should be in both Arabic and English and must be signed by both the employer and the employee.

• Academic and Professional Certificates

 The employee’s academic and professional certificates must be attested by the relevant authorities in their home country and the Saudi Embassy. These documents are necessary for obtaining the work visa and residency permit.

3. Banking and Financial Setup

• Assist the new hire in opening a local bank account, which is essential for salary deposits and day-to-day financial transactions. Provide guidance on managing finances in Saudi Arabia, including understanding the local banking system and financial regulations. In Saudi Arabia, you will find number of both local and international banks. The banks in Saudi Arabia include: Saudi national bank (SNB), Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi British Bank (SABB), Riyadh Bank, Arab National Bank (ANB), Alinma Bank, Bank AlJazira, Bank AlBilad, and Saudi Investment Bank (SAIB).

Successfully onboarding employees in Saudi Arabia requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. Ensuring compliance with legal requirements and facilitating financial are key steps in creating a welcoming environment that enhances employee satisfaction and productivity. With TASC's expertise and innovative solution, Onboardify, the complexities of Saudi Arabia’s onboarding process become seamless and efficient. Onboardify revolutionizes the onboarding experience by automating workflows, providing real-time tracking, and ensuring compliance while delivering significant cost savings and operational efficiency. This allows businesses to focus on their core objectives: growing and thriving in a dynamic market.

Experience a Seamless Onboarding Process for Expat to Saudi Arabia

Embark on a hassle-free onboarding journey with Onboardify, the cutting-edge tool by TASC Outsourcing, designed to simplify the integration of expat employees into your workforce in Saudi Arabia. TASC Outsourcing, with over 17 years of industry expertise, is a trusted leader in staffing and recruitment solutions across the MENA region. Our innovative platform, Onboardify, transforms your onboarding process with features like automated workflows, real-time tracking, and customizable templates that can be tailored to meet your specific business needs.

By choosing Onboardify, you leverage TASC Outsourcing's deep understanding of the unique challenges and regulatory requirements involved in onboarding international talent. Our tool minimizes administrative burdens and ensures a seamless transition for new hires, allowing your HR team to focus on what matters most: fostering a welcoming and productive environment.

Don't let onboarding paperwork procedures slow you down. With just a few clicks, streamline your operations and enhance your employee experience from day one. Discover the power of Onboardify, and see how it can revolutionize your onboarding process. Book a demo with our experts today!