RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is continuing its Ajeer Al-Hajj and Seasonal Permits services as part of efforts to encourage seasonal work during this Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The Ajeer Al-Hajj service allows facilities to issue work permits, and employ Saudis and residents temporarily. It also enables them to post job openings during the Hajj season through the Bab Ajeer platform, in addition to allowing job seekers to review and apply for work.

Ajeer Al-Hajj has several goals, including enhancing workforce flexibility and increasing its competency in the market, providing flexible solutions, and reducing dependence on outside labor.

The service is easily available electronically for facilities and individuals through the platform’s website. A total of 924 facilities benefited from the service, with 11,715 permits issued, SPA reported.

The seasonal permits service allows facilities working during the Hajj season to cover the number of workers needed and contributes to serving pilgrims, as the ministry had earlier worked on issuing seasonal permits to facilities under facilitated and easy terms.

The number of seasonal work permits issued reached 42,853 for several professions in different fields, SPA said.

The ministry’s oversight committees carry out follow-ups to ensure that facilities operating during the Hajj season abide by the requirements and terms of the seasonal work permit regulations. 

They also ensure that facilities comply with the regulations and instructions.

The ministry carried out several field visits to oversee facilities and follow up on the work system provisions and regulations in Makkah and the holy sites.