New Legislation of Residence Permits (Known as “Iqamas”)

New Legislation Enacted

Author: Sara Khoja, Partner and Sarit Thomas, Attorney-at-Law - Clyde & Co

The “Privileged Iqama” scheme was approved by the KSA Council of Ministers in May 2019 who subsequently published Cabinet Resolution Number 521 of 1440AH, which came into force on May 25, 2019. The scheme seeks to regulate the issuance of residence permits (known as iqamas) to highly-skilled and wealthy foreign nationals without the need for a local sponsor. The scheme (which benefits professional foreign nationals, such as doctors and engineers) entitles successful applicants and their dependents to a variety of privileges, including; the ability to stay in the Kingdom, obtain visas for their dependents, employ domestic workers, invest in property, be employed in the Kingdom and change employers without any restrictions, freely enter and exit the country, and practice commercial activities as permitted under the Foreign Investment Law. Successful applicants will either be awarded with permanent or one-year renewable residency. Applicants are required to satisfy various criteria in order to be considered.

Certificate of Conformity for Employing Persons with Disabilities

New Legislation Enacted

Author: Sara Khoja, Partner and Sarit Thomas, Professional Support Lawyer - Clyde & Co

From April 24, 2019, companies employing between 50-499 employees and therefore classed as medium-sized companies, wishing to employ individuals registered as disabled, are now required to obtain a certificate of conformity from the Ministry of Labour and Social Development for such employment to be counted towards their Saudisation (nitiqat) rating.