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Saudi Arabia Updates Health Insurance Regulations for Temporary Work Visa Holders

November 2, 2025 5:56 am

Saudi Arabia Updates Health Insurance Regulations for Temporary Work Visa Holders

If you’re planning to work in Saudi Arabia on a temporary work visa, it’s vital to understand new health insurance regulations. Recent updates aim to enhance medical coverage and ensure compliance for all foreign workers entering the Kingdom. Here’s what you need to know about these important changes.

Understanding Temporary Work Visa

Introduced in March 2021, the Saudi Temporary Work Visa is valid for up to 180 days. This visa is ideal for short-term work projects and allows multiple entries. Additionally, it permits a one-time extension for another 180 days. However, it’s essential to remember that this visa does not lead to a residence permit (Iqama), and a local employer must apply on your behalf.

New Health Insurance Rules

With the latest updates, employers must now obtain a health insurance policy for temporary work visa applicants before applying for the visa. Previously, employers could secure health insurance after the visa was issued.

Only CCHI-Approved Health Insurance Accepted

Another significant update is that employers must provide health insurance from a registered provider approved by the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI). This change means that only health insurance from CCHI-approved providers is acceptable. Previously, any provider listed on Enjaz sufficed.

Linking Health Insurance to Passport Records

In addition to the existing requirements, health insurance providers must now link policies to the applicant’s passport. This means they must submit a copy of the insured person’s passport and temporary employment contract to the CCHI. This new process ensures that the insurance policy is directly linked to the individual’s passport record in the CCHI system.

What This Means for Employers

Saudi employers sponsoring foreign workers must now comply with stricter health insurance regulations. Here’s what they need to consider:

Purchase health insurance exclusively from CCHI-approved providers.
Submit the employee’s passport copy and temporary employment contract to the insurer.
Ensure that insurance policies link directly to the employee’s CCHI record.
Failure to follow these guidelines may lead to delays in visa processing or rejection of the insurance policy.

Final Thoughts

These recent changes reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing regulations for temporary worker benefits. Employers must act swiftly to meet the new CCHI requirements to avoid visa delays or compliance issues. Understanding these regulations is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition to working in Saudi Arabia. Stay informed and prepared to navigate these updates effectively!