Block Visa Validity Reduced to One Year
Block Visa Validity Reduced to One Year
November 1, 2017
Executive Summary
Effective immediately, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development has reduced the validity of block visa approvals from two years to one year.
The situation
Block visa validity rule change
A closer look
Effective immediately, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development has reduced the validity of block visa approvals from two years to one year. Employers must file block visa applications for every position which they intend to fill with a foreign national.
- Expiration. If a block visa is not used, the approval will expire within one year of the issuance date.
- Impact. Employers in Saudi Arabia should prepare their recruitment strategies in advance to ensure their eligibility for employment of foreign nationals and use the approved block visas within the prescribed deadlines.
- Fee. The government fee to submit an application remains the same at SAR 2,000.
- Background. Due to recent changes to the Nitaqat program, only companies in compliance with Saudization requirements (i.e. classified as High Green or Platinum) can request block visas.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.
Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.
Blog post
Regional Immigration Manager David Makau provides essential information about the launch of Bahrain's new Golden Visa portal, highlighting key details for applicants.
Video
Partner Diana Quintas shares everything you need to know about Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa – a great option for remote workers looking to live and work in Brazil.
Media mentions
Partner Haseena Enu discussed her role in a pilot program mentoring Afghan legal professionals as they rebuild their careers in the US.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explained that SEVIS terminations are creating uncertainty for international students in the US and their employers.
Media mentions
Partner Amy Cococcia discusses the impact of tightened US immigration policies on work visa processing.
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.
Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.
Blog post
Regional Immigration Manager David Makau provides essential information about the launch of Bahrain's new Golden Visa portal, highlighting key details for applicants.
Video
Partner Diana Quintas shares everything you need to know about Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa – a great option for remote workers looking to live and work in Brazil.
Media mentions
Partner Haseena Enu discussed her role in a pilot program mentoring Afghan legal professionals as they rebuild their careers in the US.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explained that SEVIS terminations are creating uncertainty for international students in the US and their employers.
Media mentions
Partner Amy Cococcia discusses the impact of tightened US immigration policies on work visa processing.