Job Discussion Forums

TheFellow · Joined: 31 Oct 2012 Posts: 34

Hi all,

It looks like I'll be moving to Saudi this summer. My employer said they would help with the visa process for my family.

Can anyone outline, step by step the process and possible time frame?

Thanks.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

You say your employer will assist you with the process; you really should direct these questions to them.

Paul in Saudi · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 404 Location: Doha, Qatar

Well, as I will not bring my wife here, my understanding of it is fairly rudimentary. Most everyone who has done it ends up muttering under their breaths about what a pain the procedure is.

First off, you have to get here and make your probationary period. Then you employer has to ask for the visas. Then the Saudi embassy in your home country has to certify your marriage certificate. Then more things have to happen, but I am unclear on exactly what they might be.

It can be done. People do it every day. Nobody thinks it is a quick or easy process.

TheFellow · Joined: 31 Oct 2012 Posts: 34

Nomad - thanks. Yes, I've already fired off an email. Just wanted to get a quick heads up.

Paul, as always your info and advice is much appreciated. I won't be moving till Summer but paperwork and visa processes are always a headache, so I'm expecting it to take a few months.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Not all employers operate a probationary period. For KFUPM it is common that couples or families arrive together. I think that is the case with PMU as well.

feverpitch · Joined: 01 Feb 2011 Posts: 32

The Fellow:

The process is quite straightforward, but the difficulty comes when waiting for people to actually instigate /follow up on the process.

You will need to arrive in the country first and then obtain your iqama. Once this is done (should take about a month), your employer can apply for your family's visas online.

In the mean time, your family must contact a Saudi Embassy registered visa agent to prepare their documents, and then wait for the visas to be issued.

Once you have your iqama getting the family visas is very straightforward, as long as they have submitted the correct documents.

All in all, your family could be with you as quickly as 6 weeks after you arrive.

Good luck!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

rdobbs98 · Joined: 08 Oct 2010 Posts: 236

When you get your visa stamp from the Saudi Embassy/SACM you should get your children and wife's stamp as well. That is what occurred for me. We all got our stamps at the same time, wife and children's say "not permitted to work" on theirs.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

As usual we have conflicting information. Employers do things diffreently and you really have to ask your employer. Sometimes they are not good at replying to inquiries or giving accurate information.

abayababy · Joined: 26 Dec 2012 Posts: 109

If your family does not accompany you when you first arrive in Saudi, make sure that a provision is made for them to arrive later and that this is part of your contract.