Saudi Arabia Work Visa For Indians: Costs and Requirements
Last Updated : 17-Oct-2023
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Indian nationals seeking employment in Saudi Arabia require a Work Visa or Work Permit, with the application typically handled by the employer.
The process involves the employer applying for a work permit with the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development.
Followed by the issuance of a Visa Authorization Number by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The applicant can then apply for a work visa at the Saudi Arabian Embassy in India.
The employer must apply for the employee's residency permit (Iqama) within 90 days of arrival in Saudi Arabia.
The Work Visa allows Indians to work in Saudi Arabia for a specific period and can also bring their families on a Family Visit Visa.
Important Information
— Is a Visa Required?
— Saudi Arabia visa process
— Processing time
— Lenght Of Stay
You require a Saudi Arabia Work Visa or Saudi Arabia Work Permit, to put it simply. So, let’s learn more about the Work Visa to Saudi Arabia and how you can get one.
Do Indians Need A Saudi Arabia Work Visa For Indians?
Yes. Indian nationals are allowed to work in Saudi Arabia for a set amount of time with the help of a Saudi Arabia Work Visa/Saudi Arabia Work Permit.
Most of the paperwork associated with your application for a Saudi Arabia Work Visa is taken care of by your Saudi Arabian employer.
An Indian with a Saudi Arabia Work Visa can also bring their family to the country to live with them during their employment period. However, they must apply for the Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa first. For those planning to visit Saudi Arabia for business purposes, you'll need a business visa in Saudi Arabia. It's important to secure the appropriate visa that aligns with their particular requirements.
Who Can Apply For The Saudi Arabia Work Visa For Indians?
As an Indian national, you can apply for a Saudi Arabia Work Visa if you intend to immigrate to Saudi Arabia for employment purposes.
However, remember that to be eligible for the visa, you must have an employment offer with a contract.
Therefore, travelling to look for employment prospects is not permitted when applying for a Saudi Arabia work visa.
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development receives and processes employers' work permit applications.
On notification of approval from the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues you a Visa Authorization Number you can use to apply for your Saudi Arabia visa at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Mumbai or New Delhi, India.
What Are The Saudi Arabia Work visa Requirements For Indians?
What Are The Saudi Arabian Work Visa Required Documents For Indians?
Your employer must first apply to hire you as an expatriate Indian employee with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development.
They will require the following supporting documents for the application process.
Your original passport is valid beyond your employment period. It must also have two blank pages where your Visa will be affixed
Your passport-size photographs on a white background
Your signed Saudia Arabian employment contract (provided by them)
Your employment letter that the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Arabian Chamber of Commerce have certified
Two copies of signed medical reports/ medical certificate
Certified copies of your college/university qualifications that the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission has verified
Power Of Attorney Document (that lets your employer make a Work Visa Application on your behalf)
Proof of Saudia Arabia work visa fee payment through the Enjazit website
For Embassy applications, you will simply need to submit the following documents to the chosen registered agency:
Completed Saudi Arabia Work Visa Application Form.
Valid Indian Passport with validity beyond your employment period in Saudia Arabia. The passport must also have two clear pages where the Visa stamps can be affixed.
Two recent passport-size photographs.
You may be required to meet other Work Visa requirements not mentioned here, but we hope we have covered the most important ones you must meet.
What Are The Financial Requirements For The Saudi Arabia Work Visa For Indians?
There are no additional stringent financial requirements that your Saudi Arabian employer must meet to get your Saudi Arabia Work Visa besides proof of payment of the Saudi Arabia Work Visa fees.
Of course, Saudi Arabian companies must fulfil some strict requirements before their request to hire you is approved.
However, paying the necessary Saudi Arabia work visa fees for Indian citizens and various supplementary fees associated with your residence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is mostly your employer's.
Requirements For Minors
The Saudi Arabian government prohibits minors from engaging in formal labour. That is per the Saudi Arabian laws and other global child labour laws.
However, you can bring your child to Saudi Arabia on a Family Residency Visa. Your employer would also have to assist you with that application.
How Do I Apply For The Saudi Arabia Work Visa For Indians?
Before applying for a Saudi Arabia Work Permit For Indians, you must confirm that you meet all requirements and have all the required supporting documents.
Also, remember that applying for the Saudi Arabia Work Permit before you enter Saudi Arabia is your employer's responsibility.
Step 1: Gathering Of Required Supporting Documents
Your Saudi Arabian employer/sponsor (whichever is applicable) will require your work visa supporting documents so they can apply for the Saudi Arabia Work Visa on your behalf. We have listed them under the supporting documents section.
You must supply them with these documents to enable them to make your Saudi Arabia Work Visa application on the Enjazit Website.
Step 2: Employer Applies For Your Work Permit With The Labor Ministry
After you have supplied your Saudi Arabian employer with all the required & relevant supporting documents, they will be able to make your Saudi Arabia Work Permit application online.
Your employer must be registered on the Saudi Arabian Ministry Of Interior’s Website to apply for your Saudi Arabia Work Permit. However, they would apply for it on the Enjazit website.
After applying for your Saudi Arabia Work Visa, they can check your application's status on the website from time to time.
Step 3: Application For Work Visa At The Embassy
The Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development approves your employer’s request to hire you as an expatriate employee.
In that case, they’d notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (also known as the Ministry of External Affairs) of that decision.
The Saudi Arabian Ministry Of Foreign Affairs would then further process the application on its end for the Visa Authorization Number.
Once they issue that, you can proceed to the Embassy in New Delhi or Mumbai to apply for the Saudi Arabia Work Visa.
You’d need the Visa Authorization Letter from your Saudi Arabian employer to do that.
Remember that the Embassies in India receive visa applications through registered travel agencies. You must use their visa services to apply for your Work Visa For Saudi Arabia. Their list is available on the Embassy’s website.
Step 4: Application For The Iqama In Saudi Arabia
If your Saudi Arabia Work Visa application is approved at the Embassy. Then, you can go travel to work in Saudia Arabia.
However, within 90 days of your arrival in Saudi Arabia, you must apply for the Saudi Arabia Residency Permit or Iqama.
According to your contract, Iqama will grant you permission to stay and work in Saudia Arabia for a long time.
Remember that within 90 days of your arrival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, your employer must apply for your residency permit, known as Iqama.
The Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development processes Iqama applications within 1 to 3 weeks.
After it’s approved, you must carry it with you at all times when in public spaces or work to prove your legal right to be in Saudi Arabia for work.
Everything You Need To Know About Saudi Arabia Work Visa from India
What Is The Saudi Work Visa Processing time For Indians?
There are different processing times applicable to your Saudi Arabia Work Visa application. This ranges from your employer’s application at the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development to the processing of Visa Authorization Number (VAN) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, up to your application at the Saudi Arabian Embassy for the Saudi Arabia Work Visa.
Once your Saudi employer submits your work permit application, the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development processes it within two (2) business days.
Then, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take 14 working days/ 2 weeks to issue the Visa Authorization Number. The VAN will only be issued if your employer’s work permit application has been approved.
The Embassy/Consulate processes your Saudi Arabia work Visa within 5 working days. If approved, you can travel to Saudi Arabia for work.
After receiving your VAN from your Saudi Arabian employer, you can apply for your Saudi Arabian Work Visa from the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in India.
The Embassy receives and handles all Saudi Arabian visa applications through numerous registered agents. You must use one of those to apply for your Saudi Arabia Work Visa at the Embassy.
The following may cause delays in processing your Saudi Arabia Work Permit Application:
A significant increase in Saudi Arabia Work Visa applications
Global pandemic
Revisions to work visa regulations
Failure to follow Work Visa application procedures
What Are The Saudi Arabia work visa fees For Indians?
Your employer will be liable for your Saudi Arabia Work Permit Fees when they apply for the permit on your behalf. The fees look are as follows:
7200 Saudi Riyals if your employer employs more than 50% of Saudi nationals. This includes 750 SAR for the Iqama, 6000 SAR for the Work Permit, and 450 SAR for health insurance.
8400 SAR if your employer employs more than 50% of expatriates. The work permit fee increases to 7200 SAR, and the costs for Iqama and health insurance remain the same at 750 SAR & 450 SAR, respectively.
How Long Can I Stay In Saudi Arabia With The Work Visa For Indians?
Different Work Visas for Saudi Arabia have different durations based on your employment contract’s period.
Some Work Visas are valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
The Saudi Arabian Iqama (residency permit) is valid for up to 1 year. All Work Visas for Saudi Arabia can be renewed with the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development upon expiry.
Can I Extend The Saudi Arabia Work Visa For Indians?
Yes, getting an extension on your Saudi Arabia Work visa is possible. You can get your 3 months Temporary Work Visa extended by another 3 months.
The Iqama or residency permit can be renewed according to your employment contract before expiry.
Other Saudi Arabia Visa Types
In addition to the Saudi Arabia work visa, there are several other visa types for various purposes:
Visit visa Saudi Arabia: Designed for travellers looking to explore the cultural and historical attractions of Saudi Arabia as tourists.
Saudi layover visa: For travellers passing through Saudi Arabia to reach their final destination.
Umrah visa from India: Issued to Muslims intending to make the religious pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina.
Business visa for Saudi Arabia: Intended for individuals visiting Saudi Arabia for business-related activities, such as meetings, conferences, and negotiations.
Student Visa: Granted to foreign students pursuing educational opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
Family Visit Visa: Allows family members of Saudi residents to visit and stay for a specific duration.
What Can I Expect When I Arrive In Saudi Arabia?
When you arrive in Saudi Arabia as an expatriate worker, there are several things you can expect. Remember that the specific experience may vary depending on your job, employer, and location within the country.
Here are some general expectations:
Immigration and Visa Process: Upon arrival at a Saudi Arabian airport, you will go through immigration and customs. Ensure that your visa and other required documents are in order.
Sponsorship: Most foreign workers in Saudi Arabia are sponsored by their employers. Your employer is responsible for obtaining your work visa (Iqama) and handling the necessary paperwork related to your employment.
Accommodation: Your employer should provide accommodation or a housing allowance, depending on your employment contract. The quality and location of your accommodation will depend on your employer and the terms of your contract.
Orientation: Your employer may provide an orientation program to familiarize you with your workplace, job responsibilities, and local customs and laws. This can be especially important for newcomers to Saudi Arabia.
Get Ready To Work In Saudi Arabia!
There is no reason why you shouldn't move to Saudi Arabia and take advantage of the numerous employment opportunities the country provides to Indians and other nationalities.
With the information we have given you in this guide, we hope it’ll be simpler for you to obtain your Saudi Arabian Work Visa and start working with the Saudi company of your choice.
Government Sources
At Atlys, we've put together this blog with information from reliable sources that we know you can trust. We want to ensure that the facts we share with you are accurate and dependable.
That's why we've gathered information from well-respected places like:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, You can do so by getting them a Family Visit Visa. Note that if the Family Visit Visa is approved, your family members/spouse cannot take up employment with it. They would have to apply for their own Indian Work Visas to work in Saudi Arabia.
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