Seasonal Work Visa in Saudi Arabia: Conditions, Fees, and Application Method 2026
With every Hajj season and Ramadan month, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requires additional labor to cover the increased demand for services. For this reason, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has provided the Seasonal Work Visa, a temporary visa that allows workers to enter the Kingdom to work in specific seasons.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the Seasonal Work Visa: conditions, fees, application method via the Qiwa platform, and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is the Seasonal Work Visa?
The Seasonal Work Visa is a temporary visa issued for entry into the Kingdom for a specific period and for a specific job related to the Hajj season or Umrah season (especially during Ramadan). Holders of this visa are not permitted to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, and its validity is tied only to the season for which it was issued.
📋 Conditions for Obtaining the Seasonal Work Visa
First: Establishment Conditions (Employer):
- The establishment must be active and have a valid commercial registration.
- The establishment must be located in the Green or higher category (according to the Qiwa platform classification).
- Compliance with the wage protection system and no violations recorded against the establishment in this regard.
- The establishment’s commercial activity must be among the permitted activities listed on Qiwa.
- There should be no expired work permits for labor in the establishment.
- The establishment must be located in Mecca or Medina.
Second: Worker Conditions:
- The worker must be between 25 and 48 years old (doctors are exempt from the age condition).
- The worker must be experienced in the required job and possess the necessary skills.
- Entry into the Kingdom is permitted only during the work season specified in the contract.
⏳ Duration of the Seasonal Work Visa
- Residency duration for all types of work: 4 months only.
- Residency duration for services related to transporting pilgrims and worshippers: 5 months (specific to Ramadan).
These durations are fixed and cannot be extended, and the visa expires at the end of the season.
💰 Seasonal Work Visa Fees
The fee for one Seasonal Work Visa is 2,000 Saudi Riyals. Payment is made through the Sadad system on the Qiwa platform using a Visa, Mada, or Mastercard.
Ensure that the establishment has sufficient balance in the Ministry of Interior platform before submitting the application, or it will be rejected.
🖥️ How to Issue a Seasonal Work Visa via the Qiwa Platform
- Log in to the Qiwa platform (qiwa.sa) using the establishment’s account.
- Select “Electronic Services” then “Visas”.
- Choose “Seasonal Work Visas”.
- Click on “Issue Visa” and proceed to select the support package.
- Specify the number of visas required and the available professions.
- Enter the establishment’s address and select its location.
- Choose a suitable inspection date.
- Review the application summary and proceed to pay the fees.
- Accept the terms and conditions, then click “Submit”.
❌ Visa Cancellation and Fee Refund
If you no longer need the visa, it can be canceled and the fees refunded as follows:
- Log in to the establishment’s account on the Qiwa platform.
- Go to “Seasonal Work Visas” under Electronic Services.
- Select visa applications and specify the visa to be canceled.
- Click on “Cancel Visa” and confirm cancellation.
The visa is automatically canceled on the first day of Hajj if not used, and fees are refunded according to the government payment system.
⚖️ Seasonal Work Contract
The seasonal work contract is a fixed-term contract concluded between the worker and the employer, documented via the Qiwa platform. It must include basic data such as the worker’s name, nationality, work duration, and agreed-upon salary. The seasonal contract typically does not include full benefits.
Does the permanent worker receive health insurance and paid leave?
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a seasonal work visa holder allowed to perform Hajj?
A: No, a seasonal work visa holder is prohibited from performing Hajj. The visa is exclusively for work during the season.
Q: Can a seasonal work visa be converted into permanent residency?
A: No, the visa is temporary and expires at the end of the season. However, if the worker demonstrates proficiency, the employer may enter into a fixed-term contract after the seasonal contract ends.
Q: What is the difference between a seasonal work visa and a temporary work visa?
A: Seasonal work is tied to a specific season (Hajj or Ramadan), while temporary work is for a specific task not exceeding 90 days and can be renewed once.
Q: Can seasonal workers enter the Kingdom before the season?
A: Workers are only permitted to enter during the work season specified in the contract and cannot enter before the season begins.
Q: Does the seasonal work visa include health insurance?
A: Typically, seasonal work contracts do not include health insurance or paid leave, unlike permanent work contracts.
✍️ Be sure to review the latest updates via the Qiwa platform qiwa.sa or visit the website of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development for more details.
