Saudi Arabia Simplifies Visas for Skilled Foreign Workers' Families
Saudi Arabia now allows skilled foreign workers to apply for family entry permits simultaneously with their own employment visas to attract global talent.
The Government of Saudi Arabia has introduced a revised visa system that allows skilled foreign workers to apply for entry permits for eligible family members at the same time as their own employment visas. This policy removes a previous requirement that forced workers to first enter the Kingdom and secure a residence permit, known as an Iqama, before they could sponsor dependents.
Coordinated by the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the new measures extend to spouses, sons under 25, and unmarried daughters. Once the family arrives in the Kingdom, they can obtain their residence permits through a simplified administrative channel.
This regulatory shift is a component of Saudi Vision 2030. The government aims to attract and retain international specialists in healthcare, science, and engineering by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and improving the overall quality of life for relocating global talent.
