Saudi Arabia Work Visa for Indians

About Saudi Arabia Work Visa

The Saudi Arabia work visa allows you to visit Saudi Arabia for the purpose of employment or to conduct business. Before we proceed to understand the Saudi Arabia work visa requirements, here are a few basic details for your reference.

Saudi Arabia Work Visa Fee for Indians

The Saudi Arabia Work Visa Fee varies significantly and primarily depends on the following three factors.

1. The type of employment
2. Duration of the contract/ stay
3. Nationality of the applicant.

As per Saudi Labour Law, all expenses with respect to recruitment, including visa fees, air tickets, etc., are to be paid by the employer. The fee may range from 100-1000 USD. The Saudi employer sponsors the employee by covering the cost of the same.

*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations

Documents Required for a Saudi Arabia Work Visa for Indians

You must ensure to have the requisite documents ready, before applying for the Saudi Arabia work visa. Here is a quick checklist along with the description of the documents that you must submit along with your Saudi Arabia work visa application form.

Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of visa application.

Ensure that a minimum of two blank pages are adjacent to each other.

Passport size photographs: Saudi Arabia work visa photo requirements include the following:

• Two recent passport-size photographs in formal attire with a plain white background with size (3.5 cm x 4 cm)
• Must have a front view, full face.
• Covering the head is not permitted, except for religious reasons.

Proof of Employment: The signed employment contract must be in Arabic and English. The Saudi employer (a registered and MOFA-certified employer or agency) must mention requesting a visa for the applicant in the contract. Verify whether all the important details are as per the contract.

• Cover Letter by the employer
• An electronic authority or an invitation letter issued by the employer, duly attested by MOFA in Saudi Arabia.
• A duly attested educational degree of the applicant (academic proof of experience) by the concerned authorities in the case of technical category.
• A duly attested registration certificate mentioning the registration number and other relevant details of the company.
• Details enlisting salary offered and other provisions namely accommodation, food, transport, etc.

Booked Flight Tickets- A copy of your flight tickets booked (digital or print)

Copy of Medical Report- The applicant has to go through a medical test in India before applying for a work visa, to make sure that they are medically fit to travel.

Another medical test shall be taken after arriving in Saudi Arabia.

Police Clearance certificate (if required): Police Clearance certificate mentioning no cases or criminal records.

Proof of Financial Security:

• Bank statements of the previous 3 months.
• Bank letter
• Tax returns
• Credit card statements (if applicable)
• Salary slip (if applicable)

Types of Saudi Arabia Work Visa

Saudi Arabia offers three types of work visas for all foreign nationals. Here is a summary of the various Saudi Arabia Work visa types.

Before you proceed to apply for a Saudi Arabia work visa from India, it is important for you to understand the purpose and duration of your visit and select the visa type accordingly.

How to Apply for a Saudi Arabia Work Visa for Indians?

In order to apply for a Saudia Arabia work visa, you must accurately fill out an online application form and verify the details before submitting. Additionally, either the Foreign Employer (i.e. sponsor/ company) asks you to apply for the visa yourself or a registered Recruiting Agent (RA) referred by the company does it on your behalf.

Before we begin to understand the steps involved in the application, let us have a look at the general process.

General Information:

• Determine your Visa Type: The purpose and duration of your visit is the determining factor of your work visa type. For instance, a seasonal work visa for certain events or seasons; a permanent work visa for long-term employment contracts; a temporary work visa for short-term employment, etc.
• Collect the required documents: Once you have verified all the details, compile all the documents mentioned in the list such as passport, ID proof, employer data, relevant documents issued by the authorities, health certificate (for permanent work visa), etc. Additionally, regarding the visa fee and flight tickets (if paid by you), ensure that you keep a receipt with you.
• Make a note of the appointment/ application number: Ensure to keep a note of your application/ appointment number once the visa is processed. You will require the number to track your visa status.
• Keep a copy of the visa with your family: Once the visa is successfully processed, ensure another copy of your visa is kept with your family for reference. Additionally, it is recommended to provide an additional copy of your passport, employment contract, and contact number of the company to your family.
• Additional Information:
  • Open a N.R.E account in India, so that you are able to remit funds back to India.
  • Carry an inexpensive mobile phone.
  • Verify whether the medicines carried by you are not banned in Saudi Arabia. Carry your doctor's prescription (in original) along for the same.
  • Purchase the right type of travel insurance that aligns with your needs.

If the company advises you to apply for a visa directly - Apply on the KSA Visa Portal:

1. KSA Visa: Visit Saudi Arabia's e-visa portal KSA Visa Account and create an account. For registration, fill in your email ID, password, name and phone number. This account will be used as a primary correspondence with the visa department.
2. Complete the online application form: Select your visa type on the portal and log in with your credentials. Fill out the necessary details such as personal data, employer data, passport details, flight number etc.
3. Pay the applicable fee: Pay the fee for the issuance of a Saudi Arabia work visa from India. The fee can be paid online through the portal. Print a receipt of the processed visa fee in order to claim the amount from the employer.
4. Submit and monitor your application: Before you submit, ensure that all the information is accurately filled out to avoid any rejection. Also, keep track of your Saudi Arabia work visa status.
5. Receive your approved visa: Once your visa is accurately verified and approved by the relevant authorities, you will receive it via email or through your KSA Visa portal/ VFS portal.
6. Visit the Consulate for Biometric Registration: Schedule an appointment with the consulate and carry all respective documents to complete the biometric registration.

If the company advises you to get in touch with a registered Recruiting Agent - Apply on the VFS Portal or visit the Visa Centre in person:

1. Schedule an Appointment with VFS: Inform your registered recruitment agent to schedule an appointment on the portal on your behalf or visit your nearest Visa Service Center to schedule one for yourself
2. Submit your Visa Application: Once you have your appointment letter, visit the VFS Center approximately 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. You will be given a token, following which you will be called to the counter to submit your documents.
3. Biometric Enrolment: Once you have submitted your documents, you will be requested to provide your biometrics information (facial image, fingerprints, and biographic data). This step completes your visa application process. Collect your original receipt and invoice to present while collecting the visa.
4. Track your application: You may now track the application status from the 'Track Status' of the VFS (Tasheer) website. If you selected Value Added Service (VAS) during your application, SMS alerts and Courier Service shall be provided accordingly, preferably at an additional charge.
5. Collect your stamped visa: If you have not opted for the Value Added Service, you will have to visit the centre to collect your visa. Ensure that you carry your original invoice and receipt along with you.

Note: Important points to note while applying through a Recruiting Agent

1. A Recruiting Agent (RA) must be registered with the Protector General of Emigrants (PGE) and possess an original certificate which must be issued by PGE. Verify the RA's details on the eMigrate portal.
   • The RA must have a Demand Letter and a Power of Attorney issued by the Foreign Employer/ Company.
   • RA must only charge a service charge that does not exceed 45 days wages, which is subject to a maximum of Rs 20,000/- that needs to be paid to RA. Do not pay anything additional. Verify the amount with your company, if required.
   • You must process payments to RA only by DD/ cheque and mandatorily obtain the payment receipt.
2. ECR Passport: (Saudi Arabia is one of the ECR countries)
   An ECR Passport holder (individuals who have not completed formal education) must apply for an Emigration Clearance Certificate. Visit the e-Migrate portal. Click on 'Emigrant' and proceed by clicking on Apply for Emigration Clearance for ECR countries.

How to Track the Status of a Saudi Arabia Work Visa for Indians?

Before you track your application status, keep the relevant details readily available, which were generated either during/ after the visa application process. For instance, your application number, appointment number, etc.

Track application on the KSA Portal:

Step 1: Visit the KSA Visa portal and click on 'Track Application' on the home page.

Step 2: Enter the application number or visa number.

Step 3: Enter the ID Number (the identification number could be any one of the following).

• Applicant or invitee's passport number
• Inviter's - Saudi National ID, Iqama ID, or commercial number of registration.

Step 3: Enter the Captcha given to complete the process.

Step 4: Proceed by clicking on 'Track my Application'.

Track application on the VFS portal

Step 1: Visit the VFS Portal (Tasheer) and click on 'Track Status on the Home page.

Step 2: Enter the appointment reference number and visa platform number

Step 3: Enter your Date of Birth in (DD-MM-YYYY) format

Step 3: Enter the Captcha given to complete the process.

Step 4: Proceed by clicking on 'Get Details.