Key Takeaways
- Saudi Arabia has introduced a new family visa process for skilled expatriate workers.
- The change allows workers to apply for entry visas for eligible family members during their work visa application.
- The move aims to improve the quality of life for residents and facilitate family relocation.
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new family visa process that simplifies the application for entry visas for eligible family members of skilled expatriate workers. Under the new procedure, workers can now apply for both their work visa and the entry visa for their eligible dependents simultaneously.
The eligible family members include spouses, sons under 25, and unmarried daughters. The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, introduced the change as part of efforts to enhance the living conditions of residents and streamline the relocation process for skilled expatriates.
Previously, workers had to complete their work visa application before applying for entry visas for their family members. The new arrangement allows both processes to be managed concurrently, making the overall application process more efficient and less cumbersome for expatriates.
According to the Ministry, the measure supports Saudi Arabia’s broader initiatives to improve the quality of life for residents and facilitate the relocation of eligible expatriate workers with their families. The new arrangement applies exclusively to eligible dependents and does not alter the requirement for completing residency procedures after their arrival in the Kingdom.
The Ministry stated that the new procedure is part of a series of reforms aimed at enhancing the living conditions of residents and making the relocation process smoother for skilled expatriates. The move is expected to benefit thousands of expatriate workers and their families, providing them with a more streamlined and efficient application process.
The new family visa process is designed to address the needs of skilled expatriates who wish to bring their families to Saudi Arabia. By allowing the simultaneous application for both work and entry visas, the Ministry aims to reduce the administrative burden on expatriates and their families, thereby improving their overall experience in the Kingdom.
The Ministry emphasized that the new arrangement is intended to support the broader goals of the Saudi government, which includes improving the quality of life for residents and facilitating the relocation of skilled expatriate workers with their families. The move is seen as a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for expatriates and their dependents.
