Saudi Arabia restricts work visa quotas for young businesses Start-ups face a five-visa cap for their first two years as Riyadh steps up pressure on employers to hire local talent iStock.com/RECSTOCKFOOTAGE Image Izzy Wood Senior Reporter Thursday 03 September 2026 Saudi Arabia has reduced the number of work visas new businesses can obtain as the Kingdom pushes its Saudisation regime. Get AccessContinue reading Global Mobility LawyerAlready have access? Login now Email Enter your email address. Password Enter the password that accompanies your email address. Reset your passwordLog in Need access? Find out how to enjoy unlimited accessGet access You might also like... Compliance Saudisation enforcement ramps up with sweeping inspections Employment Law Saudi Arabia ushers in most significant labour reforms in a decade Work Permits Saudi Arabia launches skills-based worker classification system Settlement Support Saudi firms adjust expat pay amid rethink of talent models