The Saudi government has announced that it has launched such a program to attract skilled foreign manpower under Vision 2030.
What you should know
Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency Center has approved 3,484 private sector employers to bring in skilled workers. Employees working in those organizations will be eligible to receive Special Talent Premium Residency if they meet the required criteria.
According to Okaz magazine, this decision was taken as part of Saudi Arabia's strategy to attract skilled manpower.
The Special Talent Premium Residency Program is targeted at high-caliber professionals working in the scientific, administrative, and research sectors. Saudi officials have stated that the program aims to develop local capabilities and encourage knowledge transfer.
The person who receives this residency will be able to reside in Saudi Arabia with his family. It will also include parents, spouses, and children under the age of 25. Under this facility, there is a provision to freely transfer from the employer, exemption from expatriate and dependent fees, exit and re-entry without exit permits, visit visas for relatives, and use of lanes reserved for Saudi and GCC citizens at entry points.
In addition, there is a provision to allow spouses and children to work in the private sector, conduct business activities in accordance with investment laws, and purchase real estate to benefit from it.
The eligibility criteria are divided into two categories. First, in the researcher and scientist or health talent category, an employment contract with an approved organization in a priority field, a monthly minimum salary of 14 thousand Saudi riyals, a bachelor's degree, more than three years of experience, proof of meeting the minimum score limit, a letter of recommendation from the employer and three research papers in the relevant field will be required.
Second, for the scientific and health professional category, the monthly minimum salary is set at 35 thousand Saudi riyals. In this category too, an employment contract with an approved institution, a bachelor's degree or higher qualification, more than three years of experience, a minimum score limit, and a letter of recommendation from the employer are mandatory.
The Saudi government has stated that it has launched such a program to attract skilled foreign manpower under Vision-2030.
