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Low Green band blocks new visas

Qiwa says Low Green and I cannot get a visa. What now?

The situation

Under the Developed Nitaqat guide applied from April 2026, Low Green entities have visa applications and profession changes suspended.

The law

  • Developed Nitaqat Programme (Ministerial Decision 182495; Procedural Guide 2026): Required Saudi percentage depends on entity size and activity; bands Platinum, Green levels and Red

What it means for you

You need to raise your Saudi count to reach Medium Green. Hiring one Saudi at SAR 4,000 or more adds a full count. Use the Qiwa calculator to see how many hires move you up a band, then request visas once the band updates.

What to do

  1. Check the gap on Qiwa.
  2. Hire Saudis at SAR 4,000 or more.
  3. Reapply after the band moves.

We can do this for youNitaqat Saudization health check under the Developed Nitaqat programme 2026 to 2028: SAR 2,500

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