Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at facilitating the employment of skilled Pakistani workers across various sectors in Saudi Arabia.
The agreements were formalized in Riyadh by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain, along with Tevta Chairman Brigadier (Retd) Sajid Khokhar and officials from the Special Investment Facilitation Council.
In a bid to ensure that skilled workers meet the needs of the Saudi labor market, efforts are underway to mobilize both public and private vocational training centers in Pakistan.
The government is dedicated to taking practical steps to maximize opportunities for Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, as well as on a global scale.
In related news, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced updated regulations for temporary work visas associated with Hajj and Umrah services.
Under the new rules, visa holders can stay for up to 90 days, with an option to extend for an additional 90 days. This change is intended to enhance flexibility for the private sector and better align visa policies with labor market demands.
The grace period for these temporary visas will run from the 15th of Shaban until the end of Muharram, easing the hiring process for temporary workers during the Umrah season. The ministry has also established specific processing timelines and requires signed employment contracts and medical insurance for visa issuance, improving transparency.
To deter misuse, significant penalties have been instituted, including fines of up to 50,000 Saudi riyals for companies selling temporary visas and potential bans from Hajj and Umrah services for up to five years.
These regulations will take effect 180 days after approval, allowing businesses time to adapt.
In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to visit Saudi Arabia and Qatar today to attract investments from these oil-rich nations.
His first stop will be the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, where he will engage in discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior officials to explore opportunities for economic collaboration and strengthen bilateral ties in economic, energy, and defense sectors.
