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Saudi Arabia Updates Family Visa Rules for Skilled Expatriate Workers

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior announced changes allowing skilled expatriate workers to obtain entry visas for eligible family members alongside their work visa processing. The updated regulation applies to spouses, sons under the age of 25, and unmarried daughters. Further residency procedures will be finalized after the family members arrive in the Kingdom.

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Issuing authority
Ministry of Interior
Jurisdiction
Saudi Arabia
Publication date
October 6, 2026
Stage
Final rule
Official source
news.google.com

Saudi Arabia has amended its family visa rules to allow skilled expatriate workers to bring eligible family members to the Kingdom concurrently with their work visa processing, according to Arabian Business citing the Saudi Ministry of Interior.

Under the new measures, skilled expatriate heads of households can secure entry visas for eligible dependants at the same time their own work visa procedures are being completed. This eliminates the prior requirement for eligible workers to wait until after their own work visa process is finalized before applying for family entry visas.

Eligible dependants covered by the rule include spouses, sons under the age of 25, and unmarried daughters. Once family members arrive in Saudi Arabia, procedures to issue their residence permits will be completed in accordance with applicable regulations and guidelines.

The Ministry of Interior stated that the measure was introduced in line with Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

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