Introduction The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands as a beacon of professional growth, attracting individuals from...
A historically and culturally rich country, Saudi Arabia is experiencing significant digitisation and employment. Besides the career opportunities, factors like a growing economy and high standards of living make Saudi Arabia a popular destination.
However, one must obtain a Saudi Arabia work visa to work smoothly in the country. The process can take more time without proper guidance. We are here to help you navigate the rigorous Saudi Arabia visa process and grab key opportunities.
Below are crucial tips and tricks to obtain a permanent or temporary work visa in Saudi Arabia.
Understanding the Different Types of Saudi Arabian Work Visas
If you plan to work in Saudi Arabia for a medium or long term, you’ll need an Iqama. Other options are available for short-term visitors. Find below different Saudi Arabia work visa types –
Standard Work Visa
A Saudi work visit visa is needed to participate in non-business work activities. A temporary work visa in Saudi Arabia allows a stay of up to 90 days. You might also receive a long-term Saudi work permit approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and Jawazat. This permit, placed as a sticker in your passport, lets you engage in training, internships, and similar activities.
Family Visit Visa
If you are visiting a close family member, you can apply for a Saudi Family Visit Visa, valid for up to 90 days or as approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia. This visa lets you visit family and participate in tourism activities.
Residence Visa for Employment
Foreign citizens need a temporary Saudi Arabia work visa for short stays. For longer stays, they must get a residence permit, known as the Saudi iqama, which gives them certain rights.
Determining Eligibility for Obtaining a Work Visa in Saudi Arabia
To acquire a work visa in Saudi Arabia:
- You need a passport that is valid for at least six months from your intended travel date.
- You must have sponsorship from a Saudi company or organisation.
- You need an invitation letter from the Saudi organisation, which must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia and written in Arabic.
- Your purpose for visiting must be to engage in work activities related to technical professions, such as engineering or architecture.
Who Qualifies for a Saudi Arabian Work Visa?
One needs a residence permit (Iqama) to work in Saudi Arabia. This permit allows one to work for a set period, typically around one year.
A Saudi employer must sponsor you and obtain visa approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Your employer will apply for a work visa on your behalf, allowing you to enter the country and start working.
Within 90 days of arrival, your employer must apply for a work permit, including a residence permit. This permit serves as your ID in Saudi Arabia, and you’ll need it for tasks like opening a bank account.
Always carry your Iqama with you to avoid fines. Depending on your work contract, the Iqama lasts one or two years and must be renewed by your employer.
How Do You Apply for a Visa to Saudi Arabia?
Securing an appropriate employment visa is essential to residing and operating legally in Saudi Arabia. While the procedure is multi-dimensional, knowing the right steps makes it seamless. Talented youngsters, entrepreneurs, and others can learn how to apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia simply by following the steps below.
Obtaining a Sponsorship or Job Offer
In Saudi Arabia, employers play a critical role in the visa application process for foreign workers. When you receive a job offer in Saudi Arabia, your employer initiates the visa application on your behalf and acts as your sponsor throughout the process. This is a formal requirement set by the Saudi government for all foreign workers.
Your employer becomes your legal sponsor. They are responsible for handling your visa application and ensuring you have the necessary legal permissions to work in Saudi Arabia.
Completing Medical Examination and Security Clearance
Another mandatory step for a new visa in Saudi Arabia is a medical examination. A medical practitioner in your home country performs this examination, ensuring you meet all necessary health requirements.
Security clearance is another key step in the Saudi work visa application process. The government wants to ensure that individuals entering the country for work do not pose any potential security risks. The clearance Saudi Arabia visa process typically involves a background check. It assesses an applicant’s criminal history that could concern national security.
Submitting Documents and Understanding Visa Processing Timelines
Certain documents, such as employment letters, valid passports, visa application forms, and medical reports, must be submitted in a timely manner. Ensuring these documents are accurate and complete is crucial to avoid errors. They must also be attested by the local Saudi embassy in your hometown.
Due to different factors, obtaining Saudi Arabia work visa types can take several weeks to a few months. The process includes accepting a job offer, preparing documents, submitting an application, and waiting for government processing. Delays may occur because of administrative issues or changes in immigration policies, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
Factors Leading to Rejection of Saudi Work Visas and Remedial Measure
Factors like partial documentation, job offer mismatch, medical test issues, and suspicious history may impact your Saudi visa processing time. Here are a few remedial measures to save your application from rejection –
- Prepare all required documents carefully and fill in any gaps or missing information.
- Double-check the job offer for authenticity and clarity to prevent misunderstandings.
- Complete a thorough medical examination and address any health concerns quickly.
Following these steps will increase your chances of a successful new visa to Saudi Arabia.
FAQs
1. How Can I Get Work Visa For Saudi Arabia?
To work in Saudi Arabia, one needs a valid job offer and a signed employment contract from a Saudi employer. They must also fulfil other requirements, such as providing personal information and undergoing medical screening to get a work visa.
2. How Long Does It Take To Get A Working Visa For Saudi Arabia?
A Saudi work visa typically takes between 3 weeks to 2 months to process, depending on your individual case and circumstances.
3. What Is The Age Limit for a Saudi Arabia Work Visa?
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 60, provided they are physically fit, hold the academic or professional credentials specified by the Kingdom, or fall under the employee’s category required by the Kingdom, can seek employment in Saudi Arabia.
4. What Is The Fees for a Saudi Arabia Work Visa?
- If the sponsoring company’s workforce is over 50% Saudi nationals, the total cost is SAR 7,200, which includes:
- SAR 750 for an Iqama
- SAR 6,000 for the work visa
- SAR 450 for insurance
- If the sponsoring company has over 50% foreign nationals, the total cost increases to
SAR 8,400, with the work visa fee being SAR 7,200.
5. Can Work Visa Holders Perform Umrah?
Yes.
As a work visa holder, you are eligible to perform Umrah. However, you must register on the Nusuk app to acquire the Umrah permit for this pilgrimage.
