Obtaining a residence visa in Saudi Arabia is not a straightforward process. It usually takes three or more months to complete the process, and authorisation must be issued to the applicant’s sponsor by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The embassy will need all the paperwork associated with any offer of jobs in Saudi Arabia; this includes the job contract, details of the worker’s qualifications and a medical examination certificate. Once all the paperwork has been checked and verified by the embassy they will then issue the visa number. A stamped residency visa is issued, and once the worker arrives in the country this is converted into a residency permit. It is required by law that all foreign workers carry this permit with them at all times. It is a form of photograph identification and authorities can ask to see it at any time.
The worker must have at least six months left to run on their passport; if there is less than one year to go, it may be worth getting a fresh passport before leaving the country. Several photocopies of the passport should be made as all passports are left with the employer. This is because random checks are made with employers to ensure their workers are not being employed illegally.
Those relocating for work with their families should be aware that all their family members need birth certificates and medical examination certificates also.
Anyone who has an Israeli stamp on their passport will not be allowed to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
