New Family Visa Process Introduced
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new procedure that allows eligible skilled expatriate workers to apply for entry visas for their family members alongside their own work visa process.
Under the new arrangement, skilled expatriate heads of households can begin the visa process for eligible dependents while completing their own employment visa procedures. This is expected to make it easier for qualified foreign workers to relocate to Saudi Arabia with their families.
Who Can Join Skilled Expatriate Workers?
The new process applies to eligible immediate family members of qualifying expatriate workers. These include spouses, sons under the age of 25 and unmarried daughters.
The change is aimed at reducing the waiting period that families previously faced during the relocation process. Eligible applicants will still need to meet the relevant requirements set by Saudi authorities.
Work and Family Visa Processes Can Move Together
Previously, eligible expatriate workers generally had to complete their own work visa process before applying for entry visas for qualifying family members.
The new procedure allows the two processes to move forward at the same time. This means eligible families may be able to make relocation arrangements earlier instead of waiting for the worker’s visa process to be fully completed.
After entering Saudi Arabia, family members will undergo the required residency procedures in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations.
Part of Saudi Arabia’s Quality of Life Efforts
The change was introduced by the Ministry of Interior in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Officials said the measure is part of wider efforts to improve the quality of life for residents and make Saudi Arabia more attractive to skilled expatriate workers.
The policy also supports the relocation of eligible foreign professionals with their families. Bringing family members through a coordinated process could make the transition easier for workers taking up employment opportunities in the Kingdom.
Residency Requirements Still Apply
Although the new procedure allows work and family entry visa processes to proceed together, it does not remove the requirement for family members to complete residency formalities after arriving in Saudi Arabia.
Applicants must continue to follow the applicable documentation, eligibility and residency requirements. The new arrangement is limited to eligible dependents and qualifying expatriate workers.
The change could benefit skilled foreign professionals planning to move to Saudi Arabia, particularly those who want to avoid a long gap between starting their employment and bringing their immediate family to the Kingdom.
