<p>Saudi Arabia has tightened the rules for a work visa for Indian workers planning to apply for jobs in the Gulf country. The new rule mandates a pre-verification of the professional and academic qualifications from Tuesday (January) 14. </p>
<p>”Professional verification procedures for issuing work visas will be implemented from January 14,” a circular issued by the Saudi mission in India said, according to Business Standard.</p>
<p>The pre-verification requirement was first proposed last year as part of labour reforms in Saudi Arabia, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan. </p>
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<p>The move is part of country’s broader reforms, aimed at “more flexible employment contracts” for expatriates. It is expected to reduce the influx of Indian workers due to limited number of qualified training centres and to ensure quality control. </p>
<p>According to the Ministry of External Affairs, there are around 14 lakh Indians in Saudi Arabia, the second-largest expatriate community in the country after Bangladesh. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, Saudia Arabia has also announced a change in the rule for expatriates regarding the renewal of their Iqama, or residency permits, and extending exit and re-entry visas. </p>
<p>In a post on X, Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports announced that dependents of expats as well as domestic workers located outside Saudi can now renew their Iqama. Those expatriates, residing outside Saudi Arabia, can also extend the period of single or multiple exit and re-entry visas. </p>
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