Saudi Arabia has introduced a new process allowing qualified expatriates to arrange entry visas for eligible family members while their own work visa is being processed.
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new measure allowing qualified expatriate heads of household to arrange entry visas for eligible family members while their own work visa application is being processed.
The measure has been introduced by the Saudi Ministry of Interior in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
The change is intended to make it easier for qualified expatriate employees to relocate to Saudi Arabia with their families by allowing the employee’s work visa and eligible family entry visas to progress in parallel.
For broader information about Saudi visas, residency and relocation, visit our Saudi Arabia immigration page.
Who can be included under the new family visa arrangement?
Under the new arrangements, eligible family members include:
- the expatriate employee’s spouse;
- sons under the age of 25; and
- unmarried daughters.
The measure applies to qualified expatriate heads of household who meet the applicable requirements.
Employers and applicants should ensure that the relevant eligibility and documentation requirements are considered before beginning the family visa process.
What has changed in the Saudi family visa process?
Previously, expatriate employees would generally complete their own work visa and residency procedures before progressing the family visa process.
Under the new arrangement, eligible family entry visas can be processed at the same time as the principal applicant’s work visa.
This means eligible family members can obtain their entry visas without having to wait for the main applicant to complete the Saudi residency process first.
The two processes can therefore move forward in parallel, which may reduce the waiting period involved in relocating an employee and their family to the Kingdom.
When are family residency procedures completed?
Although eligible family members can now obtain their entry visas while the principal applicant’s work visa is being processed, their Saudi residency procedures are completed after they enter the Kingdom.
Those procedures remain subject to the applicable Saudi immigration regulations and requirements.
The new measure therefore changes the timing of the family entry visa process, rather than removing the requirement to complete the appropriate residency formalities after arrival.
Hudson McKenzie’s Saudi team advises on employment visas, Iqama applications and family and dependant sponsorship as part of its wider Saudi immigration support.
What does this mean for employers?
For employers recruiting qualified expatriate employees into Saudi Arabia, the new process may make family relocation more straightforward.
Where an employee intends to relocate with eligible family members, employers may now be able to coordinate the employee’s work visa and the family entry visa processes at the same time rather than treating them as entirely sequential stages.
This may help employers with:
- employee relocation planning;
- onboarding timelines;
- family travel arrangements;
- coordination of immigration documentation; and
- the overall employee relocation experience.
Employers should take the new process into account when planning assignments and onboarding qualified expatriate employees who intend to relocate with their families.
What should HR and Global Mobility teams consider?
HR and Global Mobility teams should review their Saudi relocation processes to determine whether eligible employees can benefit from the new arrangements.
In particular, teams should consider:
- whether the employee falls within the qualifying category;
- which accompanying family members are eligible;
- whether the required family documentation is available;
- how the employee and family visa applications should be coordinated; and
- what residency formalities will need to be completed after arrival.
The change may allow employers to begin family immigration planning earlier in the relocation process, but applications remain subject to the applicable Saudi requirements.
Businesses establishing or expanding operations in the Kingdom can also review our Saudi Arabia company formation and workforce immigration services.
Hudson McKenzie’s Saudi company formation service specifically includes work permits, Iqamas, dependant applications, family sponsorship and relocation support.
How Hudson McKenzie can assist
Hudson McKenzie supports employers and individuals with Saudi visa, immigration and employee relocation matters.
Our Saudi immigration team can assist with work visa and residence procedures, family immigration, dependant applications, documentation requirements and the coordination of employee and family relocation to the Kingdom.
If you require assistance with a Saudi work visa, family visa or employee relocation matter, contact Hudson McKenzie.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Saudi immigration requirements and procedures may change, and advice should be obtained based on the circumstances of each case.
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