Saudi Arabia has announced new regulations for Indian workers seeking employment in the kingdom, effective January 14, 2025. The new rules require a pre-verification of professional and academic qualifications, marking a significant shift in the visa application process for Indian expatriates.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-Verification Requirement: Indian workers must now complete a pre-verification of their qualifications before applying for a work visa.
- Stricter Certification Processes: Enhanced certification processes for specific professions are now mandatory.
- Residency Permit Updates: New rules for renewing residency permits (Iqama) and exit/re-entry visas have also been introduced.
Overview of the New Visa Rules
The pre-verification requirement was proposed six months ago as part of Saudi Arabia's broader labor sector reforms aligned with its Vision 2030 initiative. This initiative aims to create a more flexible employment environment for expatriates, which includes Indians, who form the second-largest expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, with over 2.4 million residents.
The Saudi mission in India has issued a circular stating that professional verification procedures will be implemented starting January 14, 2025. This means that all Indian workers applying for a work visa must now provide verified documentation of their professional and academic credentials.
Steps to Apply for a Saudi Work Visa
- Secure a Job Offer: Obtain employment from a Saudi-based company willing to sponsor your visa.
- Receive an Invitation Letter: Your employer must provide an official invitation letter, certified by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce.
- Prepare Necessary Documents: Gather the following:
- A passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages.
- Completed visa application form.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background.
- Signed employment contract.
- Attested educational and professional certificates.
- Medical certificate confirming fitness for work.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Submit Visa Application: Present your application and documents to the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.
- Pay Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the visa type:
- Single-entry work visa: SAR 2,000 (approximately $533).
- Multiple-entry work visa: SAR 3,000 (approximately $800).
- One-year work visa: SAR 5,000 (approximately $1,333).
- Two-year work visa: SAR 7,000 (approximately $1,867).
- Obtain Health Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory for foreign workers, typically covered by employers.
- Await Processing: Visa processing usually takes 1 to 3 weeks.
- Travel to Saudi Arabia: Upon visa approval, you can enter Saudi Arabia and begin your employment.
- Apply for Residence Permit (Iqama): Within 90 days of arrival, your employer will assist in obtaining an Iqama, allowing you to reside and work legally in Saudi Arabia.
Changes to Residency and Visa Rules
In addition to the work visa changes, Saudi Arabia has also updated rules for expatriates renewing their Iqama and extending exit and re-entry visas. The General Directorate of Passports announced that dependents of expatriates and domestic workers located outside the kingdom can now renew their Iqama. Furthermore, expatriates outside Saudi Arabia can extend the period of their exit and re-entry visas, whether single or multiple.
These changes reflect Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to streamline its labor market and enhance the experience for expatriates, particularly those from India, who play a crucial role in the kingdom's workforce.