Cabinet OKs temporary work visa regs + key international agreements: The Council of Ministers, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, approved yesterday nine decisions, including new rules for temporary work visas, specifically for Hajj and Umrah services, aiming to streamline labor support in the religious tourism sector, state news agency SPA reports.

Here’s what you need to know about the new work visa rules: The amendments are set to offer increased flexibility to the private sector, aligning visa provisions with market demands that peak during Hajj and Umrah seasons, the Human Resources and Social Development Ministry said in a statement.

The provisions in a nutshell:

  • The “seasonal work visa” is now called the “temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services;”
  • The grace period has been extended from mid-Shaaban until the end of Muharram;
  • Medical ins. is now mandatory;
  • To curb misuse, the regulations include penalties;
  • Temporary work visas can be extended for up to 90 days;
  • The amendments will come into effect 180 days following their approval.

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The Cabinet also authorized the Investment Ministry to sign a draft agreement with the Egyptian government on promoting and protecting mutual investments, along with a handful of international agreements with Romania, Kuwait, Kosovo and the Maldives focusing on fisheries, customs, and geological cooperation.

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