Starting January 14, Indian workers applying for a Saudi Arabian work visa must complete a pre-verification of their professional and academic qualifications. This change affects a significant group, as Indians represent the second-largest expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, numbering over 2.4 million. Across the Gulf region, more than two million Indians are employed in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait.
Both professionals and non-professionals need a work visa to be employed in these countries. The pre-verification requirement, proposed six months ago, aims to regulate the influx of Indian workers due to limited training facilities and to uphold quality standards.
As part of its Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is reforming its labor sector to enhance expatriate employment contract flexibility and enforce stricter job certification requirements. Consequently, professional verification is now mandatory for work visa issuance.
Saudi Arabia has also updated its rules for renewing Iqama (residency permits) and extending exit and re-entry visas. Expatriates’ dependents and domestic workers outside the kingdom can now renew their Iqama.
Steps for Indians to Apply for a Saudi Work Visa:
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Secure a Job Offer: Find employment with a Saudi company willing to sponsor you.
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Receive an Invitation Letter: The employer provides a certified invitation letter from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chamber of Commerce.
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Prepare Necessary Documents:
- Valid passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages
- Completed visa application form
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- Signed employment contract
- Attested educational and professional certificates
- Medical fitness certificate
- Police clearance certificate
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Submit Visa Application: Submit your application and documents at the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.
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Pay Visa Fees: Fees vary with visa type:
- Single-entry: SAR 2,000 (approx. Rs 43,800)
- Multiple-entry: SAR 3,000 (approx. Rs 65,700)
- One-year: SAR 5,000 (approx. Rs 1,09,500)
- Two-year: SAR 7,000 (approx. Rs 1,53,300)
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Obtain Health Insurance: Employers usually cover this for foreign workers.
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Await Processing: Processing takes 1 to 3 weeks.
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Travel to Saudi Arabia: After visa approval, travel to commence work.
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Apply for Residence Permit (Iqama): Within 90 days of arrival, your employer helps obtain an Iqama for legal residency and work.
Expatriates can also extend their exit and re-entry visas under the new regulations.