RIYADH (Kashmir English): Saudi Arabia has announced new visa facilitation measures for highly skilled foreign workers, allowing eligible expatriates to process entry visas for their immediate family members alongside their employment visa procedures.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Interior, eligible family members of highly skilled foreign workers may obtain entry visas while the worker’s employment or work visa procedures are being completed, subject to all applicable requirements.
Under the new arrangement, eligible workers may bring their spouse, children under 25 years of age and unmarried daughters to Saudi Arabia.
The measure is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to improve residents’ quality of life and simplify immigration and relocation procedures for skilled professionals.
Previously, workers generally had to travel to Saudi Arabia first, complete employment and residency formalities and obtain an Iqama before beginning the process of bringing eligible family members to the Kingdom.
The new arrangement allows the family visa process to move forward alongside the worker’s employment visa procedures, potentially making relocation easier for highly skilled professionals and their families.
However, the announcement does not remove residency requirements. After entering Saudi Arabia, family members will still have to complete the relevant residency and Iqama procedures in accordance with Saudi laws and regulations.
Meanwhile, various salary figures, including SAR4,000, SAR5,000 and SAR7,000, are being discussed online in connection with family sponsorship. However, these figures should not be presented as a newly announced minimum salary requirement under the October 6 decision unless officially confirmed by Saudi authorities.
