SAUDI EXPATRIATES

SAUDI ARABIA LABOR LAW 38 AMENDMENTS 2015

Labor Ministry and the Council of Ministers approved 38 amendments updates in new Saudi Arabia Labor Law on March 2015, Which is effected after 6 months of the approval, that is from October 2015. The major updates of these 38 amendments are as follows.

1. Training for Saudi's : A company with 50 or more employees must train 12% Saudis and take them as original employees. Earlier it was 6% and It is stated in Article (43) of Saudi Labor Law. You can also see this article "Nitaqat Categories".

2. Probationary Period : 90 days probation period can be extended by additional 90 days (But not more than 180 days, Earlier it was only 90 days), if both parties agreed for that period. An employee in one organization can go on probation period only once, Unless the job is separate from the earlier one or when worker left and returned back to organization. It is combined in Article (53) and (54). Recommended article "Muqeem Card for New Expatriates".

3. Fixed Contracts : For Saudi Nationals, If the employment fixed contract is extended for 4 years (successfully renewed 3 times) then it will become unlimited contract. Earlier it was 3 years (renewed 2 times). It is as per Article (55) in Arabic contract of Saudi Labor Law.

4. Absent From Work : As per Article (80) in SLL, Employee absence from work without valid reason for more than 20 days or 10 consecutive days are increased to 30 days or 15 consecutive days are subject to termination without any salary. Read this article "What is Huroob".

5. Termination Notice : Expanded notice periods for termination of unlimited contracts from 30 days to 60 days for monthly payable employees and 15 days to 30 days for hourly payable employees. Referring Article (75) in 38 new amendments of Saudi Labor Law.

6. Leaves : Increased in Short term leaves of Article (113) in New Saudi Labor Law 2015.

- Marriage Leave is increased from 3 days to 5 days.

- Paternity Leave is increased from 1 day to 3 days.

- Bereavement Leave is increased from 3 days to 5 days.

- Muslim women will get 4 month 10 days leave in case of husband dies or divorce. For Non Muslim women she is entitled for 15 days leave with full pay. As mentioned in Article (160).

7. Maternity Leave : 10 week maternity leave for women with full pay starting 4 weeks before delivery, Additional one month leave with out pay. As mentioned in Article (151, 152). Similar article "Vacations & Leaves in Saudi Labor Law".

8. Transfer of Employee : The Employer must get written permission of employee before transferring from one place to other. In emergency situations employer can transfer employee to other place not more than 30 days in a year. Recommended article "Sponsorship Transfer in KSA".

9. Employment Certificate : Article (64) of New Saudi Arabia Labor Law, The employer must provide a certificate of employment at the end of the contract. Certificate should not include anything that harm the reputation of the employee.

10. Working Hours : An employee should not stay at workplace more than 12 hours per day, No more than 5 consecutive hours work without a break, Break should be at least half hour every day for prayer and lunch. You can also read this article "Working hours as per Labor Law".

11. Work Injuries : As per Article (137), An employee who met with work injury is entitled to full pay of 2 months (Earlier it was 1 month) amount compensation and thereafter 75% pay till the treatment which can be up to 1 year, where upon he shall classified as disabled and eligible for compensation.

12. Wage Protection System : As in Article (90.2), Currently KSA is implementing Wage Protection System where companies are required to deposit salaries into a bank account for each employee. As of now, WPS is on eighth stage which is applicable to firms with 130 or more employees, It started with largest firms with 3000 or more employees.

CHECK SPONSOR NAME IN LABOR MINISTRY (MOL) WEBSITE

By accessing to Ministry Of Labor website, You can able to find your current Iqama sponsor name online. In old version of Ministry Of Interior website, we can easily use to find the sponsor name and ID in our personal information by just accessing our MOI Absher account. As the MOI updated its website, The feature of checking sponsor name and Id is gone, So we bring you another method to check your Current Iqama sponsor name.

Check Iqama Sponsor Name and Sponsorship Transfer Status through Labor Ministry website:

By accessing to MOL website, you can able to know your current Sponsor Name as per the records of Labor Ministry Computer System. If you recently transferred from one sponsor to other then you can see your new sponsor name, date of transfer and Application number. Unfortunately MOL website is only in Arabic, But we will help you to go through this process by using screen shots.

1. Visit Ministry Of Labour official website by following the below link. www.mol.gov.sa

2. Click on Drop down menu, And select "نقل خدمة عامل وافد", Which is exactly 4th option of drop down menu. Please refer image below.

3.Once you did that change the selection of radio button From first line "رقم الطلب" to Second line "رقم إقامة العامل". Enter your Iqama number in Second line text box, Enter the below image code in "ادخل رمز التحقق" text box, Click on right button "بحث". Refer the below image for more clarity.

4. Once you submitted, You will get a one line message just below that form, You can see your current sponsor name in between ( ), As shown in below image.

Sponsorship Transfer Status :

5. It is also possible, You can see different image, If you recently transferred the sponsorship. Here you can find your New Sponsor Name, Date of Transfer and Application Number. Date of Transfer will be a Hijri Date. As shown in the below image.

Recommended article "How to Check Sponsor ID"

SAPTCO - NAKAL JAMAI SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Public Transport Company well known as NAKAL JAMAI Saudi Arabia or SAPTCO. Saptco is providing public transport services by buses connecting various cities, towns and villages of KSA and other Arab countries like Yemen, UAE, Turkey, Syria, Sudan, Qatar, Lebanon, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt and Bahrain using more than 2300 buses.

Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company is now allowing Saptco Online booking tickets to various cities through their official website. SAPTCO was established in 1979 (1399 Hijri). Naqal Jamai Saudi Arabia (SAPTCO) is also providing a transport service for pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah and to students of School transports. KSA main five cities like Riyadh, Makkah, Madina, Jeddah and Dammam have a SAPTCO bus schedule of every 2 to 3 hours. For booking tickets you can directly visit Saptco Bus Station, Any Travel Agent or you can do SAPTCO Online Booking.

It is really cheap to travel in Saudi Arabia, If you have your own car, How ever most of the expatriates does not have their own car. If they want to travel from one city to other whether they choose Taxi, Train or a SAPTCO bus service. If you traveled by Taxi you may need to pay more than any bus charge or any train charge, Minimum charge for taxi to travel is more than 100 Saudi Riyal and their driving is too rude and very speed more than 180km per hour, which is not safe at all.

Unfortunately trains does not connect each and every city of KSA as the current train service is only running between Riyadh to Dammam or Dammam to Riyadh. Train projects in Saudi Arabia are still in progress, It will take time to connect to each and every city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. You can also Read this article "Train Services in KSA".

So we have only one best and safe option is SAPTCO bus service, which is with a limited speed of 80km to 120km per hour. Connecting various city bus stations SAPTCO Dammam, Jeddah, SAPTCO Riyadh, Khobar, Makkah, Madina, King Fahd Airport Office in Dammam, King AbdulAziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khaled Airport office in Riyadh, Various city Stations, Yemen, UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, etc. Recommended article "Emergency numbers in KSA".

Toll Free Number : 8001249999

Phone : +966 112884411 (KSA), +966 112682760 (Outside KSA)

Website : www.saptco.com.sa

CHECK MOI FUNDS UNDER IQAMA OR MUQEEM

Saudi Interior Ministry now lets you to check available MOI funds under your Iqama name or Muqeem card through their official website of ministry of Interior e services. Normally this funds would be deposited by you or your sponsor through ATM or Internet banking for the services related to government.

The easiest way to know the status of any services like Sponsorship Transfer, Profession Change, Permanent Family Visa, Family Visit Visa, Visit Visa Extension, Driving License, Driving License Renewal, Transferring vehicle to your name, Passport Deposit or any other Labor Deposit is through by checking available MOI funds online. This MOI Saudi Arabia funds has been deposited by you or your sponsor depending on the service of Saudi Interior Ministry.

If you can find your MOI funds online it means your transaction is not yet processed, If you did not find your MOI funds in MOI website then it means your transaction is processed as the fee is deducted from your MOI funds.

How To Check available MOI Funds on Iqama or Muqeem :

1. Visit Ministry of Interior e services website, Select the language ENGLISH, Then choose "Public Query Available Funds" available in MOI Saudi Arabia Diwan section.

Simply follow this link "Publice Query Available Funds"

2. Now you can see a page asking you to enter your IQAMA Identity Number and Image Code. Enter your MUQEEM IQAMA NUMBER and IMAGE CODE as seen in image, Then click on VIEW, refer the image below.

3. Now you can see available MOI funds under your muqeem or iqama mentioning the date of today.

REFUND OR WITHDRAW MOI FUNDS FROM IQAMA OR MUQEEM

Due to any reason, If you want to refund your fee paid or deposited funds to Saudi Interior Ministry, then you can withdraw it by requesting from bank to cancel the service (Like Driving License, Sponsorship Transfer, Profession Change etc,.) you requested. It is only possible to refund, if the funds are still available as MOI funds under your Iqama or muqeem, For checking amount follow this article "Check available MOI Funds".

Below mentioned method is almost similar with every bank, whether it is NCB, SABB, Riyad Bank, Al Rajhi Bank, ANB, Bank Al Bilad, Saudi Hollandi Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi or Saudi Investment bank. Visit the net banking website from which you did payment to Saudi Interior Ministry. Login to your net banking account by entering your credentials.

- Once you logged into your Net Banking, Now Look for "GOVERNMENT PAYMENTS" or "MOI SERVICES". Once you click on that, Select the service type as "ALIEN CONTROL" from the available services.

- Select transaction type as "REFUND" and choose the 'service type' from the available services for which you deposited amount. After that write your "IQAMA NUMBER" in place of ID or Iqama ID or Refund ID. Then submit your request.

- Once you submitted, You need to wait for 3 or more days to get refunded your MOI Funds to your bank account. To know your request is processed you can check your bank account as well as available MOI Funds.

STUDENT EXIT RE ENTRY VISA

Exit re entry visa for students(dependents) can be issued online by his sponsor(Father) through "MOI abhser account". In case of your father unable to issue online, His kafeel can do it for you. Most of the expatriates send their children to home country or any other country for studying, This article is about students exit re entry visa.

Issuance of Exit re entry visa for students may be in the form of single exit re entry which costs about 200 riyals or multiple exit re entry with cost of 500 riyals. Exit re entry visa allows you to stay out of Saudi Arabia for the duration of 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, 60 days or 90 days. Using exit re entry visa, You can take entry to the desired country by exiting through Saudi Arabia.

You can exit from KSA within the mentioned "exit before date", and should come back before the expiry of your exit re entry visa date. In case of unable to come, you can request for extension of your exit re entry at Saudi Embassy where you are studying, with the documents mentioned below.

- Your father need to arrange an employment certificate signed by Employer(with seal), Stamped through Chamber Of Commerce (COC) and attested by MOFA (Ministry Of Foreign Affairs).

- Your father(sponsor) also needs to get a print out of Student profile from Jawazat systems.

- A letter pad from company(employer) mentioning the expected date of student arrival.

You can also call +96612887444 Ext.800, and request to extend your exit re entry date and pay the required fee. In case of failed in extending your exit re entry, Your visa will be canceled and treated as permanent exit, You will not allowed to enter into kingdom.

Recommended :Issue Exit Re Entry Online

Student Exit Re Entry Visa in Saudi Arabia

WAGE PROTECTION SYSTEM SAUDI ARABIA

Labor Ministry and SAMA(Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency) is working jointly on Wage Protection System. The aim of WPS is to ensure that private sector employees are correctly paid as per the agreed terms in contract identified in Saudi Social Security and to track the salaries of expatriates and nationals.

Companies should comply with Wage Protection System within 2 months of it made compulsory and have to submit the information to Labor Ministry via e-service program, In case of failed,

- Ministry of Labor will deny and suspend all the services to the company.

- Except Issue and renewal of work permits. Recommend : Muqeem Card

- Allows the employees to transfer to another company without consent of current sponsor. Recommend : Transfer without consent of company

Private sector companies require to

- Register the company with Wage Protection System. Recommend : Labor rights and violations

- Submit the wage data to Labor Ministry and the salaries of employees using e service program.

- Open a pay roll file with authenticated local bank.

- Open local bank accounts and should be paid the salaries through local banks.

Salary Delays in Wage Protection System :

- If the company delays salary for 2 months, their services will be blocked by Labor Ministry except work permit renewals.

- If the company delays salary for 3 months, It will loose labor force, Expatriate employees allowed to transfer without sponsor approval. Recommend : Transfer if your salary delayed for 3 months

Wage Protection System for companies became compulsory in Saudi Arabia, It was started in June of 2013 for the companies who have more than 3000 employees.

- In September 2013 it made mandatory for firms which has above 2000 employees.

- In December 2013 for the organizations with 1000 employees.

- In November 2014 it includes those companies with over 500 employees.

In the year 2015 also, The phases of Wage Protection System continued,

- Starting in February it made necessary for companies having more than 320 employees.

- In April it made compulsory with over 240 employees.

- In June for companies with over 170 employees.

- In August for firms with over 130 employees.

- In November Wage Protection System made mandatory for the companies having 100 plus employees.

TELEMONEY EXCHANGE RATE REMITTANCE CENTER

Expatriates in Kingdom can transfer money to their home country through Telemoney remittance center from Arab National Bank by exchanging Saudi Riyal to Philippine Peso, Saudi Riyal to Indian Rupee, £ to Saudi Riyal by checking Today currency rate in Saudi Arabia.

1. Telemoney Registration : Expatriates can register for Telemoney remittance account through nearest telemoney centers by providing their iqama or muqeem card copy and personal details.

2. Add Beneficiary Bank Account : Once you registered for telemoney account, You can add home country beneficiaries bank account, You can also add beneficiaries accounts by providing the details when you are registering for telecmoney account. You can add upto 15 beneficiaries allocating with serial numbers.

3. Send Money : Visit the teller counter of any telemoney branch, Give your Muqeem card number or iqama number and then tell the added beneficiary name or serial number to send money.

4. Sevice Charge and Deliver time : Pay the dedicated fee to the service, Depending on the service you select it will take 15 minutes to 72 hours to transfer money to beneficiary. Normally the fee is SR 16/- and it will take 24 hours in working days.

5. Transaction : Teller will enter your Iqama number, He will add the amount you gave to him, He will choose the beneficiary as you said, Once transaction finished, He will give you a receipt copy of the transaction with all the details including beneficiary and amount details, Keep it safe till the amount reached.

Crediting through following Indian Bank Accounts in India within 24 hours:

HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Federal Bank, State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, South Indian Bank, Axis Bank.

Crediting through following Pakistani Bank Accounts in Pakistan within 24 hours:

Muslim Commercial Bank, United Bank Limited, Habib Bank Limited, Allied Bank, National Bank of Pakistan.

Crediting through following Philippine Bank Accounts in Philippines within 24 hours:

Rizal Commercial Bank Corporation (RCBC), Philippine National Bank, Metro Bank, BPInoy (BPI), BDO, China Bank (CBC), Bank of Commerce (BOC).

Telemoney Remittance Centers :

In RIYADH : Ahmad Bin Hanbal Street, Olaya - Moussa Bin Naseer Street, Al Batha- Al Rajhi Building, Al Batha Road- Bin Suleiman Commercial Center, Al Wizarat- Sheikh Abdulrahman Bin Hassan Street, Al Abraj Street, 40th Street, Manfooha Main Street, Jarir Street, Al Kharj, Electricity Street, Prince Salman Street, 60th street, Al Haer Road, Umm Al-Hammam street, Ankas Street, 40th Street, King Abdul Aziz Road - Ibn Sina Street, Khashm Al Aan Street, Prince Mamdooh Road - Al Suleimaniya, Prince Turki Bin Abdullah Street - AL Shmeisi district, Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin baz street - Shmeisy district, Abo Bakr Al Razi Street - Al Suleimaniya district, Olaya - Opp to Computer market, King Faisal Street Riyadh Avenue, Al Naseem - Abu Al swad Al doolay Street.

In JEDDAH : Granada Street, Al Ajwad Street, Hail Street, Palestine Street, Heraa Street, King Khalid Street, Makkah Road - Kilo 5, Al Rawda Street, Al Sudeiri Street, Prince Moteb Street, Region 4 - Main Street, Al Thamaneen Street Crossing Heraa Street.

TELEMONEY EXCHANGE RATE REMITTANCE CENTER

For more details on ANB Branches you can visit the below link.

https://www.anb.com.sa/Telemoney/telemoney_branches.asp

ENJAZ BANK SAUDI ARABIA ALBILAD

Enjaz is a banking remittance service for money transfer both local and international from Albilad Bank in Saudi Arabia. Enjaz bank exchange rate allows its customers to maximize their profits by using foreign exchange at Enjaz bank Saudi Arabia.

- Citizens and expatriates can register for enjaz account by providing their identity card or Muqeem card (Iqama) in nearest enjaz center. It is also possible to register for account in Enjaz bank online through their official website.

- Once you register for enjaz account, You can credit money to your home country bank account by providing your muqeem iqama and bank beneficiary details at teller counter. Normally it takes 24 to 72 hours to avail your credit and the service charge is SR 16/-. Once your transaction finished you need to keep your receipt till amount reached in destination account, In case of failed, You can claim your money through the available receipt details.

- Enjaz works 12 hours a day and 365 days in a year, Working hours will be 8AM to 8PM in working days and 1PM to 8PM in friday and ramadan days, Timings may change in different remittance centers.

- Enjaz Bank Saudi also allows you to transfer money locally in Saudi Arabia without any bank account, You can transfer money from one Enjaz remittance center to other to reach to the receiver.

- Enjaz Bank Saudi issue drafts in Saudi Riyals as well as international drafts in major currencies payable through their wide network of correspondent banks.

- Enjaz Easy features allows expatriates to transfer money to their home country and it can be received in one of the selected service like Cash on bank counter, credit to bank account, cash delivery etc,.

- Easy service has competitive enjaz bank exchange rates for the countries like Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri lanka, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Yemen.

- Enjaz Bank Saudi Arabia is partnered with Western Union, global money transfer organization, You can transfer money to anyone anywhere by just providing their name, You will get one unique number which you need to tell to receiver, receiver will get money by showing his name identity and unique number. Enjaz charge SR 25 for transaction through western union.

SALARY DELAY FINES COMPANY WITH SAUDI RIYAL 3000/-

Ministry Of Labor in Saudi Arabia announced a penalty fine of SR 3000/- For those employers or companies who delays the salary payment of their Saudi and expatriate employees. This penalty will be imposed, if the ministry found salary delays as per wage protection system Saudi Arabia or if someone lodged a complaint on salary delay in Labor ministry office.

Saudi Arabia Labor Ministry implemented WPS to protect the rights of their citizen and expatriates employees and to track there will be no salary payment delays. In the year 2015, Ministry already stopped services like profession change, transfers for private companies as they delayed salary for more than 274 workers.

If a company fails to submit its salary data in wage protection system for two or more months, then the services related to that company will be stopped, And the employees of that company are able to transfer to another company. Employees can transfer to another company in certain conditions read in this article "Tanazul without kafeel approval".

Recently GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) announced it will penalize a company with SR 10000/- If they did not enroll the employee or workers in the system, As it is noticed employers are excluding their employees from enrolling into the system.

Ministry of Labor implemented phases of wage protection system in Saudi Arabia starting from the year 2013 for the companies with employees 3000 or more, Till 2015 Ministry implemented 8 phases, 9th phase is about to implement on Feb 1, 2016 for the companies whose employees are in between 11 to 100. Detailed phases of wage protection system Saudi is explained in this article "Wage Protection System Saudi Arabia 2015".

Salary Delay fine 3000 for companies in Saudi Arabia

INDONESIAN FREE VISA

Indonesian Free Visa for the citizens of below mentioned countries including Saudi Arabia for 30 days, Earlier there was a fee of 25$ for Indonesia visitor visa for 63 countries, Now the officials allowed the citizens of 75 countries without any visa fee, As Indonesia is aiming to encourage tourists and visitors for boosting the economy.

- Travelers can visit Indonesia for any of the purposes like Business, Education, Tourism, Family realated visits, Transit, etc,. This provision is going to be extended for all the citizens of GCC countries. You can find your country in below Indonesia Visa free travel list, few of attracted countries are Bahrain, Egypt, India, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.

- Indonesian free visa wants to promote Islamic tourism as it is one of most populous Muslim country, One of example on this is Lombok Which is well known as "Island of thousand mosques". Indonesia is a largest archipelago nation as it has more than 17000 islands, which is attracting people all over the world.

- There was 16% of increment on visitors and tourist arrivals compared to 2.9% last year 2014-2015. This policy is launched to attract the visitors and tourists, It is expected of 10 million visitor this year and 20 million visitors by 2019.

Indonesia Visa Free Travel List Countries :

Algiers, Angala, Argentina, Austria, Azerbaijan, BAHRAIN, Belgium, Belorussia, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Craoatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, EGYPT, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, INDIA, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazkhstan, Kirgizstan, KUWAIT, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, OMAN, Portugal, Poland, Panama, Papua New Guinea, QATAR, Romania, Russia, San Marino, SAUDI ARABIA, Seychelles, Slovenia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Swiss, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania, Timor Leste, Tunisia, TURKEY, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, USA, Vatican, Venezuela.

PERFORMING HAJJ OR UMRAH ON FAMILY VISIT VISA SAUDI

Most of the new expatriates have a question on their mind, Whether it is possible to perform Umrah or Hajj on Family visit visa in Saudi Arabia or not, This question arise only to those, who are inviting their family first time in visit visa, old expatriates who already invited their families in visit visa may have experience on it, Well for new expatriates, here is the information you are looking for.

While applying for "online visit visa application for Saudi Arabia", You may seen a notification on your screen to agree the terms before applying visit visa, That term, I want to remind you once, So I mentioned below in Arabic and translated text of Arabic in English. Recommended : Saudi Family Visit Visa Process

"أتعهد بتدوين جميع بياناتي بالشكل الصحيح من واقع رخصة الإقامة وتدوين بيانات المطلوب للزيارة من واقع جواز سفره وأتعهد بتوفير السكن العائلي المناسب والتأمين الطبي ومغادرة الشخص المطلوب للزيارة قبل إنتهاء مدة الإقامة المحددة في تأشيرة الدخول وان يكون طيلة مدة إقامته في المملكة خاضعاً للأنظمة والقوانين المرعية وأن الغرض من الطلب هو للزيارة للعائلية فقط وليس لأداء الحج أو العمرة وأتحمل كامل المسئولية إذا ثبت خلاف ذلك. كما أفوض وزارة الخارجية السعودية بالاطلاع على سجل بياناتي في المملكة."

I pledge to write down all my data properly from the reality of residence permit and the codification of data required to visit from the reality of his passport and pledge to provide appropriate family housing, medical insurance and leave required to visit the person ends length of stay specified in the visa before and that will be for the duration of his stay in the Kingdom subject to the laws and regulations in force and that the purpose the demand is for a visit to the family only, and NOT TO PERFORM THE HAJJ OR UMRAH and take full responsibility if it is proven otherwise. Saudi Foreign Ministry also authorize access to the Record Me in the Kingdom.

You can see the above notification in this link "https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/FamilyVisitVisa/create" which is on mofa website while applying for family visit visa online. By this you clearly understand, It is legally not permitted to perform UMRAH and HAJJ on visit visa.

- This is because for Umrah and Hajj there is a separate visa package called Umrah Visa and Hajj Visa.

- Visit Visa is surely not acceptable if you tell you want to bring your family for doing Umrah or Hajj, as it is illegal. Recommended : Visit Visa Status for Saudi Arabia

- Almost every muslim expatriate who visited Saudi Arabia in visit visa did Umrah, And no one stopped any one till now for performing Umrah on visit visa.

What about performing Hajj on visit visa?

Hajj is strictly prohibited without legal permission, whether it is on visit visa or permanent visa or work visa, As Millions of people will perform hajj every year from all over the world, To limit the quota of Hajj it made illegal without legal Hajj permission, Once you perform Hajj, You cannot perform for next 5 years. If you caught doing Hajj illegally, You will be jailed, imposed fine on you, deport to your country on your charge, will ban you from entering into Saudi Arabia. Recommended : Hajj Status of Residents

Performing Hajj Umrah on Family Visit Visa Saudi

SAUDI RESIDENTS & CITIZENS ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION ABOUT HAJJ

Saudi Arabian Expatriates (residents) and Saudi Citizens can now inquire about their eligibility information about Hajj performing in the present year through Ministry Of Interior official web portal by accessing Absher e-services. Recommended : MOI Absher Account

- If one had performed Hajj in the last five years then they will not eligible for performing Hajj in the current year. Recommended : Performing Umrah & Hajj on Visit Visa

HOW TO CHECK HAJJ ELIGIBILITY STATUS :

1. Check Hajj eligibility through MOI Abhser e service public query hajj eligibility link provided below.

https://www.moi.gov.sa/wps/vanityurl/en/ps/pps/pq-hajj-eligibility

2. Enter your IDENTITY NUMBER, Identity Number is your Iqama number or Muqeem number. Recommended : Check Muqeem Validity

3. Enter IMAGE CODE, Image code will be displayed just above that text box, Enter the text as you seen in above image.

4. Click on VIEW, It will display the Hajj status for current year just above the inquire form. You can refer below image for a clear understand.

CHECK HAJJ STATUS OF SAUDI RESIDENTS AND CITIZENS

- As seen in above image, If you are eligible for Hajj it displays a status like "Eligible to do Hajj this year" otherwise it displays a status like "The entered ID holder does not have Hajj permit", as referred in below image.

SAUDI ARABIA 2016 HOLIDAYS

Being a pure Islamic country, Expatriates cannot expect more holidays in Saudi Arabia 2016, Except Ramadan (Eid-ul-Fitr), Bakrid (Eid-ul-Adha) and National Day. As per Saudi Labor Law (Article 112) all employees are entitled for 4 days paid holidays for Ramadan and Eid-al-Adha.

- Below mentioned (Saudi Arabia 2016 holidays) are for private sector companies, For semi government(banks) and government sectors, You will get more holidays from one week to 12 days including the below mentioned dates. Recommended : Leaves in Labor Law

RAMADAN HOLIDAYS IN SAUDI ARABIA 2016 (1437 Hijri) : 5th JULY to 8th JULY 2016

- In the month of Ramadan, Working hours will be only 6 hours a day and 36 hours a week for all Muslim employees as per Saudi Labor Law, For Non Muslims as per company policy. Recommended : Working Hours in Labor Law

5th JULY 2016 Tuesday (30th Ramadan 1437) : Eil-Al-Fitr Holiday (1st day)

6th JULY 2016 Wednesday (1st Shawwal 1437) : Eid-Al-Fitr Holiday (2nd day)

7th JULY 2016 Thursday (2nd Shawwal 1437) : Eid-Al-Fitr Holiday (3rd day)

8th JULY 2016 Friday (3rd Shawwal 1437) : Eid-Al-Fitr Holiday (4th day)

- 9th July is Saturday, As per your company policy, It would be a weekend holiday, whether it is half day or full day. Recommended : Overtime in Labor Law

EID-AL-ADHA HOLIDAYS IN SAUDI ARABIA 2016 (1437 Hijri) : 10th SEPTEMBER to 13th SEPTEMBER

- 9th September 2016 is Friday, It is a weekend holiday in Saudi Arabia.

10th SEPTEMBER 2016 Saturday (9th Dhu-Al-Hijjah 1437) : Eid-Al-Adha Holiday (1st day, Arafat day)

11th SEPTEMBER 2016 Sunday (10th Dhu-Al-Hijjah 1437) : Eid-Al-Adha Holiday (2nd day, EID)

12th SEPTEMBER 2016 Monday (11th Dhu-Al-Hijjah 1437) : Eid-Al-Adha Holiday (3rd day)

13th SEPTEMBER 2016 Tuesday (12th Dhu-Al-Hijjah 1437) : Eid-Al-Adha Holiday (4th day)

- If you are performing Hajj you can get 10 days paid vacation leave including above holidays, If you completed 2 years with the current company then only you are eligible for it as per Saudi Labor Law. Recommended : Check Hajj Status

NATIONAL DAY SAUDI ARABIA HOLIDAY 2016 (1437 Hijri) : 23rd SEPTEMBER

23rd SEPTEMBER 2016 (22 Dhu-Al-Hijjah 1437) : Saudi Arabia National Day

- Islamic New year 1438 Hijri will start from 2nd OCTOBER 2016 (1st Muharram 1438), I just want to wish you a happy Islamic new year, Its not a holiday. Recommended : Public Holidays 2015

HIKED PETROL PRICE IN SAUDI PER LITRE

As Saudi Arabia seen a 60 percent drop in oil revenues since 2014, which was 40$ per barrel, Based on the decision of Council of Ministers petrol prices was hiked in kingdom of Saudi Arabia which is effected already from the date 29 December 2015.

Kingdom has set a new price for higher grade (Octane 95 gasoline) petrol with a hike of 50 percent from old price 60 halalas (0.6 riyal) per litre to a new price 90 halalas (0.9 riyal) per liter. The lower grade petrol (Octane 91 gasoline) with a hike of nearly 67 percent from old price 45 halalas (0.45 riyal) per litre to a new price 75 halalas (0.75 riyal) per liter. Recommended : Airport Building Charges ABC Tax

United Arab Emirates was the first Gulf state to liberalize oil prices in the year 2015, Now Saudi Arabia also hiked its prices as the price of petrol in the kingdom is the cheapest one in gulf, Another GCC states are considering the same in coming days. Recommended : UAE online visit visa for GCC residents

Prices of Electricity, Water, Sewage, Diesel, Natural gas, Crude Oil and Kerosene will also increase as per Council Of Ministers decision. Recommended : Iqama is now Muqeem

KSA AIRPORT BUILDING CHARGES ABC TAX (IO)

Starting from Jan 1 2016, Every International passenger who traveled from Saudi Arabia Airport to any another country or a passenger who visited kingdom of Saudi Arabia from another country should pay 87 SR(Saudi Riyal) fee for using airport facilities as Airport Building Charges (ABC Tax).

SAUDI ARABIA AIRPORT BUILDING CHARGES ABC TAX

Most of the Airlines issued notifications of this charge for those all who are booking plane reservation tickets after 01 Jan 2016. One of airline carrier notification is mentioned and attached below. Recommended : Petrol Prices Increased in Saudi Arabia

GULF AIR NOTIFICATION ON KSA AIRPORT ABC TAX :

Dear Trade Partner,

Kindly be informed that GACA has imposed Airport Building Charges(ABC Tax) of SAR 87.00 for all passengers departing/arriving on an international flight at any of the airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia effective 01 Jan 2016.

Kindly ensure that all tickets Issued/ReIssued effective from 01 Jan 2016, Include SAR 87.00 for one way and SAR 174.00 for return, Under tax code IO. The previously applied fee of the international departure SAR 50.00 UR tax shall not be claimed separately after the date of 01 January 2016.

Kindly find the attached circular from GACA for your reference.

Sincierly,

Sales and Marketing Team

CP-KSA.

Saudi Arabia International Airport facilities Fee (SR 87 per passenger) would be recovered from airlines as per The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). In case of failed to pay this fee, penalties will be imposed on that carrier airlines. GACA would review the rate of inflation of this service fee in every 3 years.

- This Fee is also applicable for those Passengers who change flights from Kingdom Airports as they are treated as arrival. Recommended : Alfursan Card

- Transit Passengers who remained in flights for traveling another country destinations would be exempt from paying this fee. Recommended : Umrah on Visit Visa

- Every Saudi expatriate and citizen should bear this charge while going for vacation or tour and while coming from vacation or tour. Recommended : Carrying Zam zam in Saudi Airlines

GULF AIR ABC TAX SAUDI ARABIA NOTIFICATION

SADAD ONLINE PAYMENT FOR FAMILY VISA

Expatriates who are applying for permanent family visa, should pay a visa fee on their Iqama to Ministry Of Interior as funds. This payment can be done through whether SADAD ATM or through SADAD online payment using internet banking. This fee should paid once your all documents are ready and your profession is eligible. Recommended :Permanent Family visa professions, Istiqdam procedure, Istiqdam Appointment

SADAD PAYMENT THROUGH BANK ALBILAD SAUDI :

1. Go to official website of Bank, Login into net banking by entering your online bank account credentials. Here we are using Bank Albilad internet banking, You can choose "ALBILAD NET" for Login or just simply go to "https://rib.bankalbilad.com/retail/prelogon.do?language=en".

2. Once you successfully logged into net banking, Look for "SADAD" payments, Once you clicked on that you will see few options including "MOI SERVICES". In that you will find all government related services, You can choose "LABOR IMPORTATION". Recommended : Refund MOI funds

Sadad Online Payment in Bank Albilad Saudi

3. Now you can see all service related to "Labor Importation", In that you can also see a service option of "FAMILY VISA". Once you select that you will get a short form asking you to enter "SPONSOR ID" and "NUMBER OF VISA'S". Enter your Iqama Number in SPONSOR ID as you are the sponsor for your family, Enter 1 in NUMBER OF VISA's, 1 Visa is for one family, It means for wife and children one visa.

Sadad Online Payment for Permanent family visa

4. Once you click on "GET FEES", An amount of SAR 2000.00 will be deducted from your account. Now you need to go to MOI account to check your available funds on your Iqama or muqeem card. You will find 2000.00 SAR under your muqeem or iqama. Recommended : Check MOI Funds on Muqeem

BIOMETRIC FINGERPRINT MUST FOR SIX YEARS AND ABOVE CHILDREN OF EXPATS

The Passport Department in Saudi Arabia has implemented a new rule on Biometric Fingerprint enrollment for expatriates who are living with their families in the Kingdom.

Saudi Expatriates families whose children are of age 6 years or above 6 years, Must enroll their children biometric finger prints in Passport Department urgently. Failing in registering finger prints of their children will result in stop the services related to that expatriate family. Recommended :Family Iqama Procedure

Earlier it was mandatory for the expatriate children whose age is above 15, Now it made mandatory for six years old or above six years old children. It was an announcement from passport department of Saudi Arabia on 14 January 2016 as per Arab News leading news paper. Recommended : Fingerprint Enrollment Status

- Expatriates can visit any of Passport Department for registration of their children finger prints.

- It is mandatory to carry Iqama or Muqeem (residence permit) of expat and his children. Recommended : Muqeem Card

- Must provide original Passports for enrolling biometric fingerprints.

Biometric fingerprint was started first in November 2014 for women, who are going on exit re entry visa's then it became compulsory for women and children above 15 in the beginning of January 2015. Recommended :Family Exit Re Entry Visa

Fingerprint must for expats children above 6 years

BIOMETRIC FINGERPRINT MUST FOR NEW SIM CARD

As per the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), Security agencies and Ministry Of Interior in Saudi Arabia imposed a strict new regulation on telecommunication subscribers and new SIM card mobile phone users to register their biometric fingerprints in a mobile sim information system as a part of National security.

- First phase starting today (26th Jan 2016), All new SIM card buyers need to provide their biometric fingerprint with telecom network as a national security measure. This decision was supposed to implement last year, It was delayed due to some telecom companies need to get fingerprint reader device from outside of kingdom. Recommended :Fingerprint must for expats children

BIOMETRIC FINGERPRINTS MUST FOR NEW SIM CARD

- All mobile companies must follow this new rule on purchase of new SIM Cards. This new law is applicable for all the customers including Citizens, Gulf state citizens, Expatriates, Visitors and Haj and Umrah Pilgrims. Recommended : Check STC balance

- Bio metric fingerprint system data will be shared with Saudi National Information Centre for identity confirmation of SIM card buyer. This is an effort for fighting terror, to prevent users from using fraudulent identities and restricting mobile users from taking part in activities that threatening Saudi national security. Recommended : Unknown sim on iqama

- Biometric fingerprint system is not necessary for recharging your sim card (for adding talk time) or for paying your phone bill. Recommended : Check Mobily Balance

- Mobile phone companies holds 53 million subscribers in kingdom of Saudi Arabia out of 30 million population, Few people are using two or more SIMs from different networks. Recommended : Check Zain Balance

PENALTY OF 150 SR FOR EATING WHILE DRIVING

Traffic directorate imposed a ban last month (Dec 2015) on eating and drinking while you are driving any type of vehicle in Saudi Arabia. If caught by traffic authorities or any traffic official you will be charged a penalty of 150 Saudi Riyal.

Traffic authorities in Saudi Arabia launched many rules of the road as safety campaigns for the awareness focusing drivers and travelers. Various surveys pointed Saudi Arabia has the most dangerous and deadly accidents in Arab countries with an average of 17 people deaths in a single day. Recommended :Driving License in KSA

150 SR PENALTY FOR EATING & DRINKING WHILE DRIVING

As per the past surveys and records in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia you must be careful while you are riding a vehicle and should follow the traffic safety rules of the road.

- Most of the accidents are happening because of eating and drinking while driving, So if you have a vehicle, You must follow this rule for your and your family safety. SR 150 penalty fine from traffic authorities may alert them for changing this habit. Recommended :Renew Driving License

- It is also stated in earlier surveys, Using mobile phones while driving is also cause a reason of accident, The ratio of accidents is higher who used their cell phones while driving compared to who do not used their phones while driving.

- Texting and sending whatsapp messages while driving is more susceptible for accidents than who do not use smart phones or whatsapp texting and messaging service while driving. Recommended :Renew driving license online

- Having Coffee and Tea while driving is in the top of most dangerous foods and beverages while riding a vehicle.

- Drivers should obey the rules of following the red light and do not overtake from wrong side of the road, etc,. If you are driving for a long ride, Take a proper sleep and rest before you start your journey. Recommended : Check traffic violations

SAUDI ARABIA LABOR LAW 2015 38 AMENDMENTS

CHECK SPONSOR NAME THROUGH LABOR MINISTRY

SAPTCO NAKAL JAMAI SAUDI ARABIA

MOI FUNDS UNDER IQAMA MUQEEM

REFUND OR WITHDRAW MOI FUNDS FROM IQAMA

STUDENT EXIT RE ENTRY VISA

WAGE PROTECTION SYSTEM SAUDI ARABIA

TELEMONEY EXCHANGE RATE REMITTANCE CENTER

ENJAZ BANK SAUDI ARABIA ALBILAD

SALARY DELAY FINES COMPANY WITH SAUDI RIYAL 3000

INDONESIAN FREE VISA

UMRAH ON FAMILY VISIT VISA SAUDI

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION ABOUT HAJJ

SAUDI ARABIA 2016 HOLIDAYS PUBLIC

HIKED PETROL PRICE IN SAUDI PER LITRE

KSA AIRPORT BUILDING CHARGES ABC TAX

SADAD ONLINE PAYMENT FOR FAMILY VISA

BIOMETRIC FINGERPRINT MUST FOR SIX YEARS AND ABOVE

FINGERPRINT MUST FOR SIM CARD

150 RIYAL FINE FOR EATING WHILE DRIVING