RIYADH, Oct 6: Saudi Arabia has introduced new regulations allowing skilled foreign workers to secure entry visas for qualifying dependants simultaneously with their own employment permit processing, the Ministry of Interior announced.
Under the revised rules, primary visa holders can request entry permits for spouses, sons under 25 years old, and unmarried daughters. The ministry stated that entry visas for eligible family members may be granted concurrently while the head of household completes work visa formalities.
The policy change removes the requirement for foreign professionals to complete their employment visa processing before initiating family visa applications. Final residency procedures for dependants will take place after their arrival in the Kingdom, according to applicable regulatory frameworks.
The Ministry of Interior stated that the decision was taken in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Official statements described the decision as part of national measures intended to enhance the quality of life for foreign residents.
Why Saudi Arabia decided this?
Saudi Arabia has implemented a series of labor and immigration reforms aimed at attracting international talent and increasing foreign workforce retention under its Vision 2030 development initiative.
Previous immigration guidelines required foreign employees to complete their own residency registration (Iqama) after arriving in Saudi Arabia before sponsoring entry permits for family dependants.
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