Government Relations Officer

About the Role

Savills Middle East is seeking a skilled Government Relations Officer to join our team in the Riyadh Region. This role is crucial for ensuring our company's full compliance with all labor and immigration regulations across our KSA entities. You will provide comprehensive government relations support in a timely and proactive manner, demonstrating a commercial approach. The ideal candidate will be organized, capable of processing paperwork and applications with minimal supervision, and possess strong customer service skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the HR team with the processing of new Iqamas and work permits for expatriate employees, ensuring timely completion.
• Support ongoing projects by tracking the issuance and renewal of Iqamas and exit/re-entry visas for both new and existing personnel.
• Monitor and manage various government portals, including GOSI, MHRDS platforms (Qiwa, Mudad), Chamber of Commerce, Saudi Post, Ministry of Commerce, WPS, MOFA, HRDF, Taqat, and MISA, REGA.
• Ensure all Iqamas and work permits are renewed and updated to maintain accurate records with labor and immigration departments.
• Conduct site visits to various offices for document collection, submission, and obtaining necessary signatures.
• Collaborate with HR and administration teams across the regional business as needed.
• Represent the company at government offices, police stations, embassies, and other relevant authorities.
• Track all company licenses and portal validity to ensure compliance.
• Facilitate the registration of new joiners and leavers with GOSI, Qiwa, and Mudad.
• Attend meetings with government representatives from bodies like TAQEEM, MISA, GOSI MOHR, Municipality, Balday, and HRDF, ensuring all requirements are met.
• Monitor the MOHR portal to ensure Saudization targets for partially localized roles are achieved.
• Liaise with government authorities to ensure adherence to current and new regulations, reporting any changes to management.
• Deliver exceptional service and communication to employees and stakeholders promptly.
• Manage the entire process for visa transfers and overseas work visa applications.
• Stay updated on changes to immigration laws, rules, regulations, forms, and procedures, and inform relevant parties.
• Process employee departure and exit procedures following visa cancellation.
• Keep informed about amendments to labor laws, rules, regulations, and procedures, and advise HR management of potential risks or financial implications.
• Cultivate relationships with government departments to ensure efficient issue resolution.
• Process attested documentation, including trade licenses and rent contracts, at government offices, conducting visits as necessary.
• Provide ad hoc administrative and logistical support to the KSA team, including emergency response.
• Maintain records of all Savills KSA licenses to ensure their validity and compliance.
• Keep all entity portals updated and compliant.
• Offer translation services for ad hoc requests.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• Must contribute to meeting Saudization commitments.
• High School or College level education is the minimum requirement.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a similar role within KSA.
• Fluency in Arabic and proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Demonstrated trustworthiness, diligence, and reliability.
• Proactive problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work autonomously and a commitment to continuous learning in this field.
• Proficient administrative and computer skills.
• Strong time management and organizational abilities.
• Excellent communication skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Thorough understanding of KSA labor and government platforms.
• In-depth knowledge of KSA labor laws, governmental directives, and related regulations.
• Strong interpersonal skills for building and maintaining relationships.
• Ability to work independently with a proactive and positive attitude.
• Flexibility and adaptability to manage multiple tasks and work extended hours when needed.
• Discretion and understanding of confidentiality requirements.

Additional Information

Savills operates in over 700 offices globally, employing over 42,000 people. Our extensive international presence, combined with specialized services and market insights, ensures we can always provide local expertise.