Saudi Arabia sets family visa conditions

Saudi Arabia has set new conditions for eligible highly skilled foreign workers seeking entry visas for their spouses and children, allowing them to apply while their own work visa applications are being processed.

The Saudi Interior Ministry announced the new arrangement on Tuesday (October 6) in coordination with the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Under the new system, eligible foreign workers can apply for entry visas for their spouses, sons under 25 and unmarried daughters.

However, an entry visa does not automatically grant a family member residency in Saudi Arabia. After entering the country, they must complete the required procedures for obtaining a residence permit, or iqama, in accordance with Saudi laws and instructions from the relevant authorities.

To qualify, the worker must meet Saudi Arabia’s criteria for highly skilled foreign workers and fulfil the requirements for bringing family members to the country.

Applications for family members’ entry visas can be submitted alongside the worker’s employment visa application, with the required information, documents and supporting papers.

The new arrangement does not waive other visa requirements. Both the worker and family members must meet the applicable eligibility and legal conditions.

The change is aimed at facilitating family relocation for eligible highly skilled foreign professionals, including doctors, engineers, technology specialists and managers.