Indian workers seeking employment in Saudi Arabia must now comply with new regulations that require pre-verification of education and work experience before applying for a work visa. Effective January 14, 2025, this update introduces additional steps to the visa application process.
Saudi Arabia’s revised rules aim to improve recruitment standards and ensure a skilled workforce. With over 2.4 million Indian expatriates already residing in Saudi Arabia, these changes significantly impact one of the kingdom’s largest foreign worker groups.
Changes in visa regulations
The latest update mandates Indian applicants to verify their educational and professional qualifications before submitting a work visa application. This ensures that credentials are authentic and meet Saudi Arabia’s labour market standards.
Key changes include:
Pre-verification requirements: Applicants must complete verification before submitting visa applications.
Iqama renewals: Employers are required to assist expatriates in obtaining their Iqama (residency permit) within 90 days of arrival.
These changes aim to align Saudi Arabia’s recruitment processes with its Vision 2030 objectives, which focus on workforce quality and development.
Documents required for passport and work visa application
Applicants must submit a comprehensive list of documents required for passport verification and the Saudi work visa application.
These include:
A valid passport with at least six months’ validity and two blank pages
A completed visa application form
Two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background
A signed employment contract
Certified educational and professional certificates
A medical certificate confirming fitness for work
A police clearance certificate
An official invitation letter from the employer, certified by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chamber of Commerce
Ensuring that all documents are complete and accurate is essential to avoid delays in processing.
How to check Saudi Arabia visa status
Applicants can monitor their visa applications by using online platforms designed to check Saudi Arabia visa status. These tools provide regular updates, ensuring applicants are informed about the progress of their applications.
Tracking visa status is critical to identify any missing documents or errors that could delay approval. This proactive approach helps streamline the process and ensures timely compliance with all requirements.
Process and visa fees
The Saudi work visa application process involves submitting all required documents to the nearest Saudi Embassy or Consulate. Applicants should ensure that their forms are complete and credentials have been verified.
Visa fees depend on the type of visa:
Single-entry work visa: 2000 Saudi Riyals (approximately Rs. 43,800)
Multi-entry work visa: 3000 Saudi Riyals (approximately Rs. 65,700)
One-year work visa: 5000 Saudi Riyals (approximately Rs. 109,500)
Two-year work visa: 7000 Saudi Riyals (approximately Rs. 153,300)
Employers generally cover the cost of mandatory health insurance for foreign workers. Visa processing usually takes one to three weeks, depending on the completeness of the application and workload at the embassy.
Responsibilities of employers in Saudi Arabia
Employers in Saudi Arabia play a key role in ensuring compliance with the new regulations.
They are required to:
Provide an official invitation letter certified by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chamber of Commerce
Assist employees in obtaining their Iqamas within the specified 90-day period
Ensure employment contracts and supporting documents meet the required standards
Employers must also bear the costs of health insurance, which is a mandatory requirement under Saudi labour laws.
Challenges for Indian workers
The introduction of pre-verification requirements has created several challenges for Indian applicants:
Increased complexity: The need for document verification adds an additional layer to the application process, potentially leading to delays.
Financial burden: Applicants may incur extra costs for document certification and travel to authorised centres for verification.
Processing delays: The added step of pre-verification may lengthen the time required to complete the application process. Workers are advised to gather all documents required for passport and visa verification well in advance to minimise complications.
Importance of tracking visa applications
The ability to check Saudi Arabia visa status online provides applicants with a transparent way to monitor their applications. These tools allow workers to identify and address any missing documentation or errors promptly.
By keeping track of the visa application status, applicants can ensure that their paperwork is in order and avoid unnecessary delays, improving their chances of approval.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s decision to introduce mandatory pre-verification for education and work experience reflects its commitment to improving the quality of its workforce. These updated regulations align with Vision 2030, focusing on recruiting skilled professionals while ensuring a transparent and efficient visa process.
For Indian applicants, this means adhering to stricter requirements, including providing accurate documents required for passport verification and tracking their applications through tools to check Saudi Arabia visa status.
While these changes pose logistical and financial challenges, they also create opportunities for qualified professionals to secure stable employment in Saudi Arabia. By planning ahead and ensuring compliance, Indian workers can navigate the new regulations and benefit from career opportunities in the Gulf nation.
