The agreements aim to align vocational training with the needs of the Saudi labour market.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to facilitate the employment of skilled Pakistani workers in various sectors within Saudi Arabia.

The agreements were formalised in Riyadh by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, along with Chairman Tevta Brigadier Retired Sajid Khokhar and officials from the Special Investment Facilitation Council.

Efforts are underway to mobilise public and private vocational training centres in Pakistan to ensure that skilled workers are trained according to the requirements of the Saudi labour market.

The Government is committed to taking practical steps to leverage available opportunities for Pakistani workers and skilled individuals in Saudi Arabia, as well as in Gulf countries and globally.

New regulations for seasonal work visas in Saudi Arabia

Earlier Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced updated regulations for temporary work visas associated with Hajj and Umrah services. Visa holders can now stay for up to 90 days, with an option to extend for another 90 days. This change aims to enhance flexibility for the private sector and better align visa policies with labour market needs.

The grace period for these visas will run from Shaban 15 to the end of Muharram, facilitating easier hiring of temporary workers during the Umrah season.

To improve transparency, the ministry has set specific processing timeframes and requires signed employment contracts and medical insurance for visa issuance.

Significant penalties are in place to deter misuse, including fines up to 50,000 Saudi riyals for companies selling temporary visas and potential bans from Hajj and Umrah services for up to five years. These new regulations will come into effect 180 days after approval, allowing businesses time to adapt.

PM Shehbaz jets off to Saudi Arabia, and Qatar today

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to embark on a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar today, with the primary goal of attracting investment from these oil-rich nations.

His first stop will be Saudi Arabia, where he will participate in the 8th Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh on October 29-30.

An official statement from the Foreign Office indicates that the Prime Minister will engage in discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior officials to explore opportunities for enhancing economic collaboration. Key cabinet ministers will accompany him during this important visit.

The prime minister is expected to hold important bilateral talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials.

The two sides will discuss economic and strategic partnership between the two countries and explore bilateral cooperation in the economic, energy, and defence domains.