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IMPACT – LOW
What is the change? Saudi Arabia has shortened the maximum amount of time relatives can stay in Saudi Arabia on family visit visas to six months. Family members were previously allowed to stay up to nine months.
What does the change mean? Visiting family members will be issued a single six-month visa that cannot be extended or renewed. Previously, they were given an initial three-month visa that could be renewed twice.
Background: The change came into effect when Saudi Arabia launched an online system for family visit visas Feb. 1. The new system was implemented to prevent overcrowding from those applying to extend visas at Jawazat offices. Information entered into the online system must exactly match personal information as it appears on the foreign employee’s residence permit, in Saudi Arabia’s civil registry, and on family members’ passports.
BAL Analysis: Foreign employees should be aware of the new nonrenewable six-month limit on family visit visas. Extensions are only possible for medical emergencies, pregnancies or other valid reasons. If family members overstay the term, they are subject to fines of 10,000 Saudi riyals (about US$2,664) and the sponsor will not be allowed to apply for a family visit visa again.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Saudi Arabia. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
IMPACT – HIGH
What is the change? Saudi Arabia has lifted its ban on issuing visas, work permits and business contracts to Dutch nationals and Dutch companies.
What does the change mean? Applications by Dutch employers and employees will resume, but delays in consular processing are expected.
Background: Saudi Arabia issued a royal decree in June that banned visas to Dutch nationals in response to a Dutch politician’s printing of anti-Islam stickers. The decree ordered Saudi firms to stop working with Dutch companies and stopped Saudi Consulates from issuing visas or from having to justify visa denials.
BAL Analysis: Dutch employers and assignees may resume visa applications and business projects with Saudi firms.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Saudi Arabia has launched an electronic service that will allow expatriates to renew visit visas for relatives.
What does the change mean? Foreign employees may renew visit visas for family members electronically without having to queue in passport offices.
Background: The new service will be part of the Ministry of the Interior’s Abshir electronic data system. In order to use the service, expats must register with Abshir.
BAL Analysis: Assignees will benefit from the new system by being able to quickly extend visit visas for family members and avoid the previous waits that were common.
What is the change? Saudi Arabia’s Health Insurance Council has announced that all private businesses must provide medical insurance for their foreign workers and families.
What does the change mean? As of Aug. 10, the Jawazat (passport office) will check all foreign workers and dependent family members for valid medical insurance before issuing or renewing iqamas (residence permits) and other documents.
Background: The Health Insurance Council announced the universal health coverage policy in June. As of Aug. 10, all private employers must provide health insurance to the dependent family members of expatriate workers. The government has approved certain medical insurers to provide this service. The passport office will not issue iqamas, renew iqamas, issue exit/re-entry visas, or transfer dates from an old passport to a new passport without proof of medical insurance.
Employers are not obligated to provide health insurance to children of Saudi women married to non-Saudi men or non-Saudi women married to Saudi men.
BAL Analysis: Companies that have not already done so should enroll family members of foreign assignees in medical insurance. Dependents who arrive on a residency visa sponsored by a father or husband must obtain health insurance immediately so they will have valid coverage at the time they apply for their iqamas at the Jawazat office.
What is the change? Australia has expanded its electronic application system for the Subclass 600 (visitor) Visa to 66 more countries.
What does the change mean? Nationals of those countries may now apply online for visitor visas.
Background: Nationals of the following territories may now lodge applications for visitor visas electronically via an online application.
BAL Analysis: Online lodgement of visitor visa applications is part of Australia’s overall move toward streamlined, electronic services.
This alert has been provided by BAL Australia. For additional information, please contact australia@bal.com.
MARN: 9683856
IMPACT – High
What are the changes? Saudi Arabia is threatening to deport foreign workers whose visas are not in order beginning next month.
Background: Facing double-digit unemployment of its own citizens, Saudi Arabia launched a localization reform in 2011 that includes pledges by companies renewing contracts to hire locals and fines for companies that do not meet quotas. After allowing a grace period of seven months, the Labor Ministry will resume the clampdown on Nov. 4. The Ministry is also reportedly checking inconsistencies between information on a foreign national’s work visa and the place of employment or profession listed on his or her residency permit.
BAL analysis: The unprecedented sweep means employers must verify all visas of foreign workers or face deportation of workers or possible fines. Companies should expect unannounced on-site visits, as the Ministry has trained inspection teams to fan out into offices and streets in search of visa violations. Foreign nationals who hire non-Saudi domestic workers should also make sure those visas are valid.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Saudi Arabia. For additional information, please contact GlobalVisaGroup@bal.com.
Yesterday, King Abdullah issued a decree that the official weekend will be moved from Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday. The change will be effective on June 29 for all government and banking institutions, and will be implemented in schools and colleges when the next academic year begins. The new weekend days are expected to facilitate international transactions and bring many economic advantages.