The rumors floating around India are a cause of concern as citizens trying to apply for a Saudi work visa will now have to tackle a few new restrictions. The country has rolled out a new set of changes that come into force on January 14, 2021, regarding visa rules pertaining to foreign workers. A notable one being that Indian citizens eyeing for work in Saudi needs to authenticate their professional and educational claims before they apply for a visa.

Other than that, Saudi Arabia has further changed the parameters revolving around Iqama, a document needed to rent a property in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi officials are expected to face backlash with these changes regarding the order issued in 2021, because of the potential repercussions it could have for Indian expatriates. The external affairs ministry of India reported nearly 2.4 million Indians settled in Saudi Arabia making it the largest concentration outside India. All expatriates regardless of profession are required to acquire a visa for work purposes there.

What are the prerequisites for applying for a Work Visa in Saudi Arabia for Indians?

Letter of Employment: One needs to have job letter of employment from a professional firm in Saudi Arabia.

Invitation Letter: The firm in question will facilitate an official invitation letter which will be validated by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of foreign affairs as well as the Saudi Chamber of commerce.

Required Documents:

A legitimate passport having at least six months of validity with two blank pages

The completed visa application form

Two photographs of the individual with matte white background measuring the size of a photo passport taken recently

Signed contract of employment: A professionally acquired employment contract indicating the field of study or an employment certificate

Maintenance and professionalism certification

Medical documentation substantiating one’s fitness for work

Criminal record verification documentation of clearance

Visa application submission: Complete your Visa application form and submit documents at the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.

Visa application submission fees: This varies depending on the class of visa being applied for, as deals specifically with visas that are required in Saudi KSA.

• Single Entry Work Visa: SR 2000 (INR 43800)

• Multi Entry Work Visa: SR 3000 (INR 65700)

• One year Work Visa: 5000 Saudi Arabian Riyals (nearly 109,500 Indian Rupees)

• Three years Multiple Work Visa: 7000 Saudi Riyals (approximately 153,000 Indian Rupees)

Health Insurance: Companies paying their foreign employees are expected to pay for obligatory medical insurance at their own cost.

Visa application processing period: Processing periods vary from 1 to 3 weeks to obtain the visa.

Travel to Saudi Arabia: After Visa approval, traveling to Saudi Arabia is permitted.

Application for Residence Permit: Within 90 days after entering into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia the employer will help the employee get a residency permit (Iqama), which serves as permission to live in Saudi Arabia.