Job Discussion Forums

[desertdust]

Just a question I need answered. Is the Saudi visa block number tied to a individuals' passport number when issued? Can this be changed easily if you get a new passport issued with a different passport and number?

[bigdurian]

I always thought it was, if you're changing your passport at that stage of the process it could make things complicated.

[Richard62]

The Saudi visa block number mentions three things: occupation, nationality, the embassy where the visa application will be lodged. So, that would be, for example, "Language Instructor, American, Saudi Embassy in The Hague". If you then decide at the last minute not to work in Saudi, then another American citizen could apply at that specific embassy, using the block visa the employer had initially secured for you. So it's not tied to your passport. Likewise, if you are an American citizen living in the Netherlands, intending to apply for your Saudi work visa in the Saudi embassy in the Hague, and your employer has secured your block visa, but then all of a sudden you decided to apply through the Saudi embassy in Washington, or London, then your employer would have to obtain a new block visa.

Having said this, while the block visa number is not tied to your passport number, certain other things are, e.g. the job contract, which is often included along with other documents when you lodge your visa application. I would advise against getting a new passport if you are in the middle of the recruitment process, unless it is really necessary.

[RustyShackleford]

I remember I was similarly entering KSA on a passport that was set to expire in less than a year. Saudi Arabia (and airlines) want to see a passport with at least six months.

Just wait until you're in-country and settled, then arrange with your embassy or consulate for a new one. Make sure to tell your employer before and after so that they can update your iqama with the new information and you're all set.