IMPACT – HIGH

Saudi officials have approved extensions of residence permits, visitor’s visas and exit and re-entry visas.

Key Points:

  • Expired residence permits and exit and re-entry visas will be extended for three months for foreign nationals who are currently outside of the country.
  • Expired residence permits and visitors visas will be extended for three months for foreign nationals who are currently in Saudi Arabia, provided their permits expired during Saudi Arabia’s suspension of international travel because of COVID-19.
  • For foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia, exit and re-entry visas that were not used and expired during the COVID-19 lockdown will be extended three months.
  • Exit and re-entry visas will be extended three months for foreign nationals outside the country who were unable to travel to Saudi Arabia because of COVID-19 entry restrictions.

Analysis & Comments: The extensions are good news because they provide relief to individuals who were prevented from entering or exiting Saudi Arabia because of pandemic-related restrictions. Extensions will be provided automatically and free of charge. The exact expiration dates of permits covered by the extension are not yet known. Deloitte will provide more information as it becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries/territories.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

Saudi Arabia recently announced an automatic extension of tourist visa validity and a three-phase easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

Key Points:

  • The validity of all tourist visas that expired during the international flight suspension has been automatically extended for three months. The extension was conducted through the General Directorate of Passports system, so no travel to the Directorate’s offices is necessary.
  • First phase: From May 28 to May 30:
    • Curfew hours will ease from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. in all the Kingdom’s regions, except Mecca.
    • Travel by private vehicles between cities and regions will be permitted when curfew hours are not in effect.
    • Work activities that previously were not allowed, such as those at retail and wholesale outlets, including malls, are permitted when curfew hours are not in effect.
    • Activities at barbershops, beauty salons, health and sports clubs and cinemas and recreational centers, where it is not possible to practice social distancing remain suspended. Other activities defined by authorities are also still suspended.
  • Second phase: From May 31 to June 20:
    • Curfew hours will ease from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in all the Kingdom’s regions, except Mecca.
    • In the King’s mosques, Friday and group prayers will be allowed to resume, except in Mecca. At the Grand Mosque, such prayers will continue.
    • Children less than the age of 15, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases will not be allowed to enter mosques.
    • Office work at ministries and for private sector companies and government authorities will be allowed to resume.
    • Public sector workers will return to full work attendance on June 14.
    • Travel between regions within the country using various transportation methods will be allowed.
    • Domestic flights will be allowed if airlines follow precautions established by the Ministry of Health and civil aviation authority.
    • Beauty salons, barber shops, sports and health clubs, entertainment centers and cinemas will not be allowed to reopen during this phase, but restaurants and cafes will be permitted to do so.
    • Social gatherings of more than 50 people will still not be allowed.
  • Third phase: Beginning on June 21, there will be a return to the normal living conditions that existed before the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were enacted.

Analysis & Comments: The automatic tourist validity extension is good news for holders of such visas. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

Saudi Arabia has extended its suspension of international flights in an effort to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Key points:

  • The extension comes after Saudi officials initially suspended flights for two weeks beginning March 15. Flights have now been suspended indefinitely.
  • A small number of flights may be allowed in as exceptional cases, but little information on this point is available at this time.
  • Travel within Saudi Arabia, including travel by airplane, bus and train, will also remain suspended until further notice.
  • Most government and private sector workers will continue working from home, meaning in-country immigration services will be limited.
  • Visitors currently in Saudi Arabia with expiring visas may be able to extend their stay for up 180 days after paying the fee.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. The closure of government agencies will affect immigration processes.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Following recent changes that combined businessmen visit, commercial visit and work visit visas into one category, Letters of Invitation (LOIs) now have a new format.

What does the change mean? The new visa is called the Business Visit visa. Previously issued LOIs are no longer being accepted by Saudi consulates, and the new LOIs no longer state whether they are for business, commercial or work visit visas, nor do they state the permissible activities.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Business Visit visas.
  • Business impact: To avoid delays, employers should ensure that the LOI follows the correct format.
  • Next steps: Employees may need to re-apply if their LOI was issued before implementation of the visa change.

Background: The authorities previously combined the visa type into a single Business Visit visa; however, there were still two types of LOI that distinguished between commercial and work visit visas. These LOIs have now also been combined into a single category.

 Analysis & Comments: Employers and affected employees should be aware that the categories of permissible activities have not changed. As such, employees should be careful to keep their activities strictly within those stated when they applied for the LOI. These changes appear to have the aim of reducing the ability of companies to rely on hiring expats through work visit visas, and to rely more on work residence visas (Iqamas). Furthermore, all LOIs now go through a process of pre-approval by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and approval is at the ministry’s sole discretion. This has not impacted processing times but does mean that those from restricted countries and female applicants under 30 no longer need a separate pre-approval.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Saudi Arabian government recently announced that beginning on March 15 all international flights are suspended for two weeks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • The two-week suspension of international flights will greatly disrupt travel to Saudi Arabia. There may a very small number of flights allowed as exceptional cases, but little information on this point is available at this time.
  • The new restriction expands upon previous ones such as banning travel from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, and Egypt, and travel for religious reasons from other countries.
  • Visitors currently in Saudi Arabia with expiring visas may be able to extend their stay for up 180 days after paying the fee. Contact your immigration provider to discuss options.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Further, the closure of government agencies will affect immigration processes.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Saudi government has placed restrictions on travel from additional countries to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

What does the change mean? Nationals of Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates will not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia. Other foreign nationals who have been in any of these countries or Italy or South Korea in the past 14 days will not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia. Air and sea travel between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Iraq, Italy, Lebanon, South Korea, and Syria has been suspended.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediately.
  • Who is affected: Nationals of/travelers from the countries listed above.
  • Business impact: The restrictions will affect travel from the target locations, including travel for business.
  • Next steps: The restrictions will remain in place until further notice. Employers who have employees in the target countries can expect they will not be allowed entry into Saudi Arabia. Additional restrictions are possible in the near future.

Analysis & Comments: The new restrictions are now in place and follow earlier restrictions on tourist and religious travel. The COVID-19 outbreak is an emerging situation that is changing rapidly. Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

What is the change? Saudi Arabia has made visas on arrival available to holders of valid U.S., U.K. and Schengen Area visas, regardless of their nationality.

What does the change mean? Holders of U.S., U.K. and Schengen visas may now travel to Saudi Arabia and obtain a visa on arrival at the airport, saving them the time it would normally take to apply for a visa at a Saudi Consulate.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate.
  • Visas/permits affected: Visas on arrival.
  • Who is affected: Holders of visas from the U.S., U.K. and the Schengen Area.
  • Impact on processing: These visa holders will be able travel to Saudi Arabia without first applying for a visa at a consulate.
  • Business impact: No impact. Business travel procedures have not changed.

Background: Saudi Arabia began issuing visas on arrival and tourist e-visas to nationals of 49 countries last September. The change allows visitors from these countries to obtain a multiple-entry visa valid for one year and stays of up to 90 days for the purpose of tourism.

Analysis & Comments: Last year’s visa policy change signaled Saudi Arabia’s desire to open the country to tourism, and the expansion of the visa-on-arrival policy is a further indication of this. To be eligible for a visa on arrival, foreign nationals holding valid visas from the U.S., U.K. and Schengen Area countries must have used the visa at least once and have a stamp from the issuing country in their passport. Travelers should note that the visa on arrival is valid only for tourist visits and cannot be used for business activities, work or performing umrah. While holders of U.S., U.K. and Schengen visas are now eligible for visas on arrival, they will not be eligible for Saudi Arabia’s electronic visa system.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Saudi Arabia has announced plans to eliminate the Nitaqat yellow category.

What does the change mean? Companies currently categorized in the yellow category will be moved later this month to the red category and will not be able to renew work permits, apply for residence permits, apply for block visas or submit commercial registrations until they move to a green category.

  • Effective date: Jan. 26, 2020.
  • Visas/permits affected: Block visas, work visas, residence permits and commercial registrations.
  • Who is affected: Employers in the yellow category.
  • What’s next: Employers in the yellow category will be moved to the red category, and companies that are not compliant with Saudization rules will now be categorized in the red category.

Background: The Nitaqat color-grading system is used to rank employer compliance with the “Saudization” regulations. Currently, employers in the yellow category are able to apply for residence permits and renew work permits for employees who have not yet completed two years of service. Once transferred to the red category, however, employers will not be able renew work permits or apply for residence permits. Similarly to employers in the yellow category, they will not be able to apply for new block visas, hire non-Saudi nationals, or transfer sponsorship. Additionally, commercial registrations will be blocked until the company moves to a green category.

Analysis & Comments: Companies currently in the yellow category should improve their Nitaqat ranking as soon as possible to avoid moving to the red category. If they are moved into the red category, employers will not be able to hire non-Saudi nationals, renew current work permits or apply for residence permits for current employees.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Saudi Embassy has begun issuing uniform business visas in place of work visit and commercial visit visas.

What does the change mean? Employees applying for commercial visit or work visit visas will now receive a business visa stamped “not permitted to work.” The uniform visa will be issued pursuant to a Letter of Invitation for either a Commercial Visit Visa, permitting business activities or for a Working Visit Visa, permitting hands-on work. Holders of the new uniform business visa will not be eligible for a residence permit (Iqama).

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Work visit and commercial visit visas (short-term stays).
  • Who is affected: Employees traveling to Saudi Arabia for short-term business stays.
  • What’s next: The authorities may make additional announcements regarding this change.

Background: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has confirmed that Letters of Invitation for both work visit and commercial visit visas are still being issued and that the two visa types still exist, with a working visit visa still permitting hands-on work as per previous regulations. Additionally, MoFA has clarified the stamp stating “not permitted to work” denotes that holder is not eligible for an Iqama.  The authorities are still in the process of reviewing the visas, and will issue updates/clarifications in the near future.

Analysis & Comments: Employers can submit Letters of Invitation for work visit and commercial visit visas, per usual. Once the visa is issued, employees will be able to use it as they would a work visit or commercial visit visa. Please contact your immigration provider with any additional questions.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Saudi Arabia has begun issuing tourist e-visas and visas on arrival for holders of U.S., U.K. and EU Schengen Area visas.

What does the change mean? Eligible visa holders can now apply for tourist visas online or upon arrival. Visas will be valid for one year, and will allow multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days during the one-year period. The visas are not valid for business or work activities, only tourism.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing. The change was announced earlier this month.
  • Visas/permits affected: Tourist e-visas.
  • Who is affected: U.S., U.K. and EU Schengen Area visa holders traveling to Saudi Arabia for tourism.
  • Impact on business: No impact. Business travel procedures have not changed.

Additional information: In September, Saudi Arabia launched a new tourist visa system and began issuing tourist e-visas and visas on arrival for nationals of 49 countries. Officials have now moved to allow nationals of other countries to apply for tourist e-visas and visas on arrival provided they hold a U.S., U.K. or EU Schengen visa.

Analysis & Comments: The recent change expands the e-visa and visa-on-arrival system to U.S., U.K. and EU Schengen visa holders. Travelers should note that while these visas are valid for tourist visits, they cannot be used for business activities, work, or performing umrah.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.