March 22, 2007	Thursday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 2, 1428

RIYADH, March 21: Saudi Arabia may soon start issuing temporary work visas to cater to the surge in demand of workers especially during Hajj. The Saudi Shoura Council has passed a draft law allowing temporary work visas for six months and seasonal work visas for four months. The number of people required during the Hajj season goes up considerably. The proposed law would cater to the seasonal requirement.

The draft law has been sent to the cabinet for approval.

According to Article Two of the proposed law, the validity of the visa cannot be extended or changed to a permanent visa. However, a person holding the visa can get multiple travel visas during the six-month period.

The maximum period of stay for a person holding a seasonal work visa will be four months and a visa issued for work during the Hajj season will expire on Muharram 15 every Hijrah year.

Companies and individuals applying for a seasonal work visa must deposit a guarantee equal to the value of a return ticket or not less than SR1,000 for each worker.

The Finance Ministry will repay the amount after making sure the visa holder has left the Kingdom. The Labour Ministry will not issue a visa unless a letter is produced from the Finance Ministry on payment of the guarantee money.