If you’re preparing to work in Saudi Arabia, understanding the Saudi Work Visa Authorization Document (تفويض تأشيرة العمل) is essential. This document, often called a Visa Slip or Block Visa Approval, is the first official approval step that allows your sponsor to bring you legally into the Kingdom.
🇸🇦 What Is the Saudi Work Visa Authorization Document?
The Work Visa Authorization is an approval letter issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). It certifies that your employer has received permission to recruit a foreign worker for a specific job under Saudi labor regulations.
This document confirms:
- The employer is legally registered in Qiwa.
- The visa profession and nationality are approved under the company’s labor quota.
- A unique authorization number has been issued to start visa stamping through the Saudi Embassy in your country.
📄 Information Found on a Work Visa Authorization
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Saudi employer or sponsor name. |
| Commercial Registration (CR) Number | Legal registration number of the company. |
| Establishment Number | Employer ID in Qiwa or Ministry of Labor system. |
| Unified Number | National ID of the establishment. |
| Profession | The approved job title for the worker. |
| Nationality | Worker’s country of origin. |
| Gender | Male or Female. |
| Embassy | Country/city where visa will be stamped. |
| Authorization / Visa Number | MOFA reference for visa issuance. |
| Status | Indicates if the visa is used or active. |
⚙️ Step-by-Step: How the Saudi Work Visa Authorization Process Works
- Employer applies via Qiwa or Mudad: The Saudi company submits a request through Qiwa.sa to hire foreign employees.
- Labor Ministry Approval: Once approved, Qiwa issues a Permanent or Temporary work visa authorization.
- MOFA Authorization: The request is then sent to MOFA, which provides an official Visa Authorization Number.
- Embassy Submission: The worker’s local recruiting agency or agent submits the authorization slip to the Saudi Embassy in their country.
- Visa Stamping: After verification, the work visa is stamped on the worker’s passport and they can legally travel to Saudi Arabia.
🧾 Types of Saudi Work Visas
| Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Permanent Work Visa | Long-term employment visa (1–2 years, renewable). |
| Temporary Work Visa | For limited-period projects (up to 90 days, extendable). |
| Seasonal Work Visa | For work during Hajj, Umrah, or peak seasons. |
| Business Visit Visa | For business meetings or short-term tasks (not employment). |
🌐 How to Verify a Saudi Work Visa Authorization Online
✅ Option 1: Through Qiwa
- Visit https://qiwa.sa
- Log in using Absher credentials.
- Select Issued Visas → Check the visa details and status.
✅ Option 2: Through MOFA
- Visit https://visa.mofa.gov.sa
- Select Visa Application → Work Visa.
- Enter your authorization number and sponsor ID.
- Verify the visa status and validity.
📑 Documents Required for Work Visa Stamping
- Original Visa Authorization / MOFA Slip
- Valid Passport (6+ months)
- Medical Report from GAMCA/Wafid center
- Employment Contract (signed by both parties)
- Passport-size photos (white background)
- Police Clearance Certificate (if required)
- Enjaz / agency payment receipt
⚠️ Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Visa expired before use | Request reissue from employer via Qiwa. |
| Wrong profession on visa | Must match MOFA and Qiwa records exactly. |
| Visa already used | Contact Qiwa support or your sponsor for help. |
| Fake visa authorization | Always verify via MOFA portal before paying agents. |
📞 Official Contact Information
- Qiwa Support: support@qiwa.sa
- HRSD Website: https://www.hrsd.gov.sa
- MOFA Visa Portal: https://visa.mofa.gov.sa
- Saudi Embassy Dhaka: https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/bd
🧭 Final Thoughts
The Saudi Work Visa Authorization is the key step to securing your legal employment in the Kingdom. Always confirm the authenticity of your visa authorization number before starting any process. Your safest path is to verify through Qiwa or MOFA, and ensure every detail matches your employment contract.
Written by: Saudi Visa Information Desk | Updated: 2025
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