Visas for Saudi Arabia
Immigrating to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia offers a wealth of opportunity for expat job seekers and companies but it is crucial the expats have a passport valid for at least six months and an appropriate visa.Everyone entering Saudi Arabia requires a visa except for nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states as well as holders of a re-entry permit issued by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Four types of entry visa can be issued by Saudi Arabian Embassies or Consulates in the expat‘s home country:
- Visitor’s visas, also considered a business visa, require a formal invitation from the individual or company sponsoring the visitor. The invitation will contain a visa number and serves to show the Embassy that the applicant has obtained a visa via the sponsor. The applicant can then take this visa number along with their passport, fee and other required documentation to their local Saudi Embassy or Consulate to collect the visa. It should be noted that visitor visas are not issued by name but by number only, therefore without the visa number in hand, the visa will not be issued. A business visa is usually valid for single entry and for a stay of up to three months);
- Residence visas are issued to visitors wishing to live in Saudi Arabia (note that exit and re-entry visas to leave the Kingdom are required for holders of a residence visa).
- If the applicant intends to work in Saudi Arabia then they must be over 22 years of age and are required to apply for a work visa known as an Iqama. The employment contract, academic or professional credential documents, and the results of a comprehensive medical examination must be presented to the Saudi Embassy/Consulate in the applicant’s home country or to the authorities in Saudi Arabia via the sponsor. This will ultimately lead to a visa number allowing the applicant to be issued their visa. The visa will usually be valid for the length of time that the sponsor company has requested;
- Transit visas (passengers in transit, by air or land).
At present there is no substantial tourist industry in the country and Saudi Arabia, unlike other countries in the GCC, does not issue tourist visas except for approved tour groups following organised itineraries. It does appear slightly more straightforward for Muslims to enter Saudi Arabia and the process for obtaining the Hajj and Umra visas for religious purposes is well-administered.
It is important to remember that all visas require an individual or company to act as a sponsor who will vouch for the individual’s conduct while in the country, and must be obtained prior to arrival.
Other considerations
Certain individuals could be restricted entry into Saudi Arabia: these include passengers with links to Israel and those who do not comply with Saudi regulations, including conventions of behaviour and dress. However in recent news it has been reported that language and etiquette training for Saudi passport department personnel abroad will be introduced and may provide for a better understanding as to western practices and help to solve any problems upon arrival and departure in Saudi Arabia.
Certain individuals could be restricted entry into Saudi Arabia: these include passengers with links to Israel and those who do not comply with Saudi regulations, including conventions of behaviour and dress. However in recent news it has been reported that language and etiquette training for Saudi passport department personnel abroad will be introduced and may provide for a better understanding as to western practices and help to solve any problems upon arrival and departure in Saudi Arabia.
It is essential to note that all business in Saudi Arabia is conducted according to the Islamic calendar, being eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar that we are familiar with in the West. This is also the case for the overall length of the visa. It is important to understand when you are required to leave Saudi Arabia because overstaying your visa for as little as 24 hours could lead to serious consequences.Women expats
Females planning on travelling to Saudi Arabia must observe certain additional requirements which to some of us may seem rather extreme. A woman cannot drive a car and if she is arriving in the Kingdom alone then she must be received at the airport by her sponsor or face problems upon entry.
Females planning on travelling to Saudi Arabia must observe certain additional requirements which to some of us may seem rather extreme. A woman cannot drive a car and if she is arriving in the Kingdom alone then she must be received at the airport by her sponsor or face problems upon entry.
Leaving the KSA
One must also remember that there are restrictions and regulations on leaving the country. Women who plan on permanently residing in Saudi Arabia should be aware that if living as a member of a Saudi household, for example marrying a Saudi man or having a Saudi father, she will need the permission of the Saudi male head of household to leave the country. This is also true for non-Saudi employees in relation to their employer. One cannot leave the country without an exit visa requiring the signature of the employer and the employer usually holds the worker’s passport. If one wishes to change employers then they will again need the permission of their previous employer.
One must also remember that there are restrictions and regulations on leaving the country. Women who plan on permanently residing in Saudi Arabia should be aware that if living as a member of a Saudi household, for example marrying a Saudi man or having a Saudi father, she will need the permission of the Saudi male head of household to leave the country. This is also true for non-Saudi employees in relation to their employer. One cannot leave the country without an exit visa requiring the signature of the employer and the employer usually holds the worker’s passport. If one wishes to change employers then they will again need the permission of their previous employer.
The sponsorship system
This kafeel or sponsorship system could result in various injustices for foreign workers and travellers. Such a severe lack of personal freedom would undoubtedly seem ludicrous in the UK. Unfortunately at the beginning of this year the Saudi deputy labour minister Abdul Wahid Al Humaid ruled out the possibility of cancelling the system in Saudi Arabia but stated that they will do whatever needed to protect the rights of both employers and employees. Therefore anyone wishing to relocate to Saudi Arabia should be aware of the stringent rules in place and accept that they are unlikely to change in the near future.
This kafeel or sponsorship system could result in various injustices for foreign workers and travellers. Such a severe lack of personal freedom would undoubtedly seem ludicrous in the UK. Unfortunately at the beginning of this year the Saudi deputy labour minister Abdul Wahid Al Humaid ruled out the possibility of cancelling the system in Saudi Arabia but stated that they will do whatever needed to protect the rights of both employers and employees. Therefore anyone wishing to relocate to Saudi Arabia should be aware of the stringent rules in place and accept that they are unlikely to change in the near future.
In conclusion, upon entering and leaving Saudi Arabia expats cannot take any shortcuts with regards to the immigration authorities and the various visa rules and practices. However if the expat is eligible, submits the required documentation and is prepared to follow the stated rules and customs, whether considered outdated or not, the visa approval process is fairly smooth. Just be aware that getting out of Saudi Arabia could be just as tumultuous as getting in!
