Saudi Arabia Allows Skilled Workers to Finalize Family Entry Visas Along with Work Visas

Saudi Arabia has enabled skilled expatriate workers to complete family entry visa procedures alongside their work visa procedures, in a facilitation resulting from cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The facilitation includes specific categories of dependents, allowing entry visas to be issued for spouses, children under 25 years of age, and unmarried daughters, alongside completing the work visa procedures for the primary worker, provided that dependents complete residency procedures upon arrival in accordance with the Kingdom's regulations and rules.

Applicants are required to meet applicable eligibility criteria and adhere to the entry and residency rules in force in the Kingdom. The announcement did not specify an implementation date, an application timeline, or additional eligibility requirements, stating only that the procedure applies according to existing regulations.

The facilitation applies to a wide segment of foreign workers in Saudi Arabia, as it simplifies family reunification and reduces the need for separate procedures between work visas and family visas. It comes within the context of successive reforms to the labor market and residency systems in the Kingdom, including updating expatriate procedures, improving the work environment, and attracting talent.

What do these terms mean?

Family Entry Visa: An entry permit granted to relatives of a resident worker to join them, with holders completing residency procedures upon arrival.

Work Permit: A document allowing a foreign employee to work legally for an employer within the country.

Residency (Iqama): A permit under which a foreigner resides in the country for a specified period, regulating their rights and obligations during their stay.

Expatriate Workers: Foreign workers who come to another country to work under a visa and work permit.