Visa and Work Permit Requirements for Hiring Foreign Employees

Hiring international employees can be complex, but with the right guidance, the process becomes efficient and manageable. This blog provides an overview of the work visa processes for hiring employees from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, as well as key countries like the UK, USA, and Netherlands. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help employers navigate international recruitment and work visa requirements.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries

The GCC countries share similar work visa processes, but each country has its own specific requirements. Here’s an overview of the key steps:

Saudi Arabia

• Job Offer : Obtain a valid job offer from a Saudi employer.
• Work Visa Application : Employer applies through the Ministry of Labor.
• Medical Examination : Required at an approved clinic.
• Visa Issuance : Apply for a work visa at the Saudi Embassy.
• Iqama : Apply for an Iqama (residency permit) after arrival.

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United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Job Offer : Valid offer from a UAE employer.
• Labor Approval : Apply for Labor Card from the Ministry of Human Resources.
• Entry Permit : Issued after labor approval.
• Medical Examination : Conducted after arrival.
• Residency Visa : Issued after medical tests and biometrics.

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Qatar

• Job Offer : Valid offer from a Qatari employer.
• Work Permit : Employer applies through the Ministry of Administrative Development.
• Medical Examination : Required at an approved center.
• Residence Permit : Biometric screening and Qatari ID upon arrival.

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Oman

• Job Offer : Offer from an Omani employer.
• Ministry Approval : Employer applies through the Ministry of Manpower.
• Work Permit : Issued after ensuring no suitable local candidate.
• Medical Examination : Mandatory.
• Residency Permit : Required with biometric registration.

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Bahrain

• Job Offer : From a Bahraini employer.
• Work Permit : Apply through the LMRA.
• Medical Examination : Required before approval.
• Residency Permit : Issued post-biometric registration.

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Kuwait

• Job Offer : From a Kuwaiti employer.
• Work Permit : Apply through the Public Authority for Manpower.
• Medical Examination : Required before visa issuance.
• Residency Permit : Obtained upon arrival.

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Key Considerations for Western Countries

Work visas in Gulf countries are employer-sponsored, include medical checks, and require biometric registration.

United Kingdom (UK)

• Job Offer : From a licensed UK employer.
• Sponsorship Certificate : Employer issues CoS.
• Visa Application : Apply for Skilled Worker Visa.
• Eligibility Criteria : Includes salary, English, and funds.
• Visa Approval : Visa and biometric residence permit upon arrival.

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United States (USA)

• Job Offer : From a U.S. employer.
• H-1B Visa : Employer files petition (cap-subject).
• Labor Condition Application : To verify wage compliance.
• Visa Application : Apply at a U.S. consulate.
• Visa Approval : H-1B issued for up to 3 years.

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Netherlands

• Job Offer : From a Dutch employer.
• Visa Type : Highly Skilled Migrant Visa.
• Visa Application : Employer applies via IND.
• Biometric Data : Required for residence permit.
• Work Authorization : Residence permit allows legal employment.

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Western Visa Considerations

• Sponsorship : Employer sponsorship is mandatory.
• Salary and Skills : Applicants must meet thresholds.
• Medical Exams : May be required based on stay duration.
• Residence and Work Rights : Granted by visa approval.

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DeltaReco's Expertise

Navigating the complexities of international hiring and visa applications can be daunting, but with DeltaReco by your side, you can streamline the process. We provide expert consultancy to ensure smooth recruitment, visa approvals, and onboarding, whether you're hiring from the Gulf, UK, USA, or Netherlands.

Contact DeltaReco today for expert guidance in international hiring and global workforce expansion.