SAUDI ARABIA: Government Waives Expat Levy for Industrial Companies for Five Years

October 7, 2019


The Saudi government has announced that it will waive expat fees paid for foreign nationals working in industrial-sector companies for five years, effective 1 October 2019.

Employers have been required to pay a levy for every foreign worker they employ since 2018, as part of the government's strategy to diversify into non-oil revenue and encourage Saudization (the hiring of Saudi nationals). The levy, alongside the imposition of value-added tax and subsidy cuts, has contributed to an exodus of foreign workers.

Our Advice

Employers who may be affected are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Saudi Arabia, please email us at [email protected]