Saudi Arabia simplifies family visa process for skilled expats

Saudi Arabia has introduced new regulations to streamline the visa process for highly skilled expatriates, allowing them to bring eligible family members to the Kingdom concurrently with their own work visa processing. This initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, aims to enhance the quality of life for foreign professionals and support the economic goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Under the new rules, eligible workers can apply for entry permits for their spouses, sons under the age of 25, and unmarried daughters at the same time they process their employment visas. Previously, expatriates were required to secure their own residence permit (Iqama) and establish residency before sponsoring dependents. Once family members arrive in the Kingdom, their formal residence permit procedures will be completed according to applicable statutory regulations.

Additionally, the General Directorate of Passports has enabled employers to issue final exit visas for domestic workers during the initial 90-day trial period via the ‘Absher’ platform. This allows for the legal termination of contracts before the issuance of a residency identity, provided specific conditions regarding the worker's status and passport validity are met.