In Saudi Arabia’s evolving job market, the term “Ajeer paper” has become increasingly important for both employers and expatriate workers. As the Kingdom advances towards Vision 2030, the government has introduced several reforms to modernise labour regulations, promote transparency, and enhance flexibility in employment practices. One such initiative is the Ajeer system, which issues official documents—commonly referred to as Ajeer papers—to regulate temporary work arrangements between different establishments.
What Is the Ajeer Paper?
The Ajeer paper in Saudi Arabia refers to the official permit or document issued through the Ajeer platform, an online service launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. This document legally authorises a worker to perform temporary duties for another organisation or project while retaining their original employment sponsorship.
In simpler terms, the Ajeer paper acts as a bridge between two companies—it allows an employee to work temporarily for a second establishment without transferring their Iqama or sponsorship. This helps companies handle temporary staffing needs efficiently while ensuring that all employment remains lawful and documented under Saudi labour laws.
The Ajeer paper is not just a physical permit; it is an official record in the national database that validates the arrangement and safeguards the rights of both employers and workers.
Purpose of the Ajeer System
Saudi Arabia has a large expatriate workforce and a growing need for flexible employment solutions, particularly in sectors with seasonal or project-based demand. The Ajeer system was designed to address these issues by:
- Regulating temporary employment so that no work takes place outside official channels.
- Reducing illegal labour practices by ensuring every secondment is properly documented.
- Supporting the private sector with easy access to qualified workers already present in the Kingdom.
- Aligning with Vision 2030, which aims to enhance efficiency, reduce bureaucracy, and modernise the workforce structure.
Through the issuance of Ajeer papers, companies can quickly fill skill gaps or respond to unexpected project surges without having to recruit new workers from abroad.
How the Ajeer Paper Works
The process of obtaining an Ajeer paper in Saudi Arabia involves both employers and employees. Here’s how it typically works:
- Employer Registration
The company that needs temporary staff registers on the official Ajeer platform. This registration requires valid commercial documents, company licences, and a good standing under the Nitaqat programme, which tracks Saudisation compliance. - Worker Selection
The employer identifies a worker already inside Saudi Arabia with a valid Iqama and labour contract under another company. - Contract Creation
A temporary contract is created through the Ajeer portal. This includes the duration, nature of the work, job title, and compensation details. - Approval and Documentation
Once approved by the system and the worker’s current employer, an official Ajeer paper or permit is issued. This document confirms that the worker can legally perform duties for the temporary employer during the agreed period. - Compliance Monitoring
Both companies must ensure that the worker’s activities match the approved contract terms. Violations—such as extending the work period without renewal—can result in fines or legal penalties.
Benefits of the Ajeer Paper
For Employers:
- Flexibility in hiring: Companies can borrow or share manpower for temporary assignments.
- Cost efficiency: There’s no need for new visa processing or sponsorship transfers.
- Legal protection: All temporary work is officially approved by the Ministry, reducing the risk of penalties.
- Quick workforce scaling: Perfect for construction, maintenance, or seasonal projects.
For Employees:
- Expanded job opportunities: Workers can take on additional roles or projects legally.
- Income stability: They can maintain continuous work even between major contracts.
- Legal security: The Ajeer paper protects them from being labelled as irregular workers.
- Professional growth: Exposure to multiple companies and industries enhances skills and experience.
The system creates a win-win scenario—employers meet labour shortages quickly, and employees gain more flexibility without losing their legal status.
Sectors That Commonly Use Ajeer Papers
The Ajeer system is widely used across industries where temporary or project-based work is common. These include:
- Construction and contracting: To hire workers for short-term site projects.
- Facilities management: For cleaning, maintenance, and operations teams.
- Education and training institutes: To engage visiting instructors and trainers.
- Event management: For seasonal events, exhibitions, and large gatherings.
- Consulting and technology services: When specialists are needed for limited engagements.
Over time, the Ministry has expanded the scope to include more sectors, reflecting the growing need for flexibility in the Saudi economy.
Eligibility Requirements
To obtain or issue an Ajeer paper in Saudi Arabia, several conditions must be met:
For Companies:
- The establishment must be properly registered and compliant with Saudi labour regulations.
- It should hold at least a medium-green rating or higher under the Nitaqat system.
- The type of permit requested must match the company’s business activity and licence.
For Workers:
- Must hold a valid Iqama and work visa.
- Must have the consent of their primary employer to participate in an Ajeer-based arrangement.
- Must not be under any existing labour dispute or travel ban.
When these conditions are fulfilled, the Ajeer system automatically validates and issues the permit electronically.
Types of Ajeer Papers or Permits
The Ajeer system offers several types of permits depending on the situation:
- Secondment Permit: Allows an employee to temporarily work for another company while still under their original sponsorship.
- Contracting Permit: Used when a company provides a specific service or expertise to another business under a defined contract.
- Seasonal Work Permit: Typically issued for short-term projects or events, such as the Hajj or Ramadan seasons.
- Government Project Permit: Designed for contractors or consultants working on government-funded projects that require additional manpower.
Each permit comes with a defined validity period and must be renewed if the temporary assignment continues beyond that time.
Importance of the Ajeer Paper for Labour Compliance
Saudi labour law is strict about unauthorised work. Performing duties for another employer without official approval is considered a violation and can result in heavy penalties or deportation for expatriates. The Ajeer paper ensures complete compliance with these laws.
By obtaining an Ajeer permit, both the primary and secondary employers share transparent responsibility for the worker. It ensures that every work arrangement is recorded in government systems, the employee’s rights and entitlements are protected, and the company avoids the risk of hiring irregular workers.
This approach supports Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to professionalise its workforce and reduce illegal employment practices.
How to Apply for an Ajeer Paper
The application process is conducted entirely online through the Ajeer portal. A simplified outline is as follows:
- Visit the official Ajeer platform.
- Create or log into your company account.
- Select the permit type that fits your requirement.
- Enter worker details, contract duration, and job description.
- Attach supporting documents such as Iqama, commercial registration, and company licence.
- Review and submit for approval.
- Once approved, download or print the official Ajeer paper for record-keeping.
The system also allows renewal, cancellation, and status tracking directly from the dashboard, making it one of the most user-friendly government services in the Kingdom.
Challenges and Common Mistakes
While the Ajeer paper system is efficient, some users face difficulties due to lack of awareness or incomplete documentation. Common issues include:
- Submitting applications without proper company registration.
- Misunderstanding the type of permit required.
- Letting the paper expire without renewal.
- Using Ajeer papers for roles that don’t match the registered job titles.
These mistakes can lead to fines or rejection of the application, so it’s important to follow the official guidelines carefully.
The Role of Ajeer in Vision 2030
Saudi Vision 2030 is a strategic plan to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. A critical part of that vision is improving labour market efficiency. The Ajeer system—and the issuance of Ajeer papers—aligns perfectly with this goal.
By promoting temporary employment flexibility, the government ensures that companies can optimise manpower without over-relying on foreign recruitment. At the same time, expatriates already living in the Kingdom can legally participate in multiple projects, improving the utilisation of existing talent.
This system symbolises Saudi Arabia’s move toward a modern, balanced, and data-driven labour environment—an essential foundation for a sustainable economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Ajeer paper mandatory for temporary jobs?
Yes. Any temporary work outside the original employer’s company must be documented through the Ajeer system to be legal.
2. Can a worker use the Ajeer paper to work for multiple companies?
No. Each Ajeer paper is linked to a specific company and contract. A new permit must be issued for any additional arrangement.
3. How long is the Ajeer paper valid?
The validity depends on the contract terms—typically between one month and one year—but it must always be renewed before expiry if the assignment continues.
4. Can freelancers apply for Ajeer papers?
Currently, the system is designed for registered companies and employees under sponsorship. However, licensed freelancers or self-employed individuals can operate under specific government frameworks.
5. What happens if a worker performs duties without an Ajeer permit?
Both the worker and the hiring company may face penalties, including fines and possible suspension of their commercial licence.
Future of Ajeer in Saudi Arabia
As digital transformation accelerates, the Ajeer system is expected to expand further. Future updates may include integration with other government platforms like Qiwa, Iqama services, and Nitaqat dashboards. These integrations will make it even easier for companies to manage their workforce in real time.
There is also discussion about extending the Ajeer paper’s benefits to freelancers, part-time professionals, and gig-economy workers, which would further diversify job opportunities within the Kingdom.
Conclusion
The Ajeer paper in Saudi Arabia is far more than a piece of documentation—it represents a new era of flexibility, legality, and digital innovation in the Kingdom’s labour ecosystem. By enabling lawful temporary employment, it empowers companies to grow dynamically while protecting workers’ rights.
As Saudi Arabia continues to reform its labour system under Vision 2030, the Ajeer paper stands as a symbol of progress: bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, stability and flexibility, and regulation and opportunity. Understanding and utilising the Ajeer system is no longer optional—it is essential for anyone seeking to work or hire responsibly within the Kingdom.