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Active Saudi Arabia Entry, visa and border restriction

Saudi Arabia updates family visa rules for skilled expatriate workers

Saudi Arabia has introduced updated rules allowing skilled foreign workers to obtain entry visas for eligible family members concurrently with their work visa processing. Eligible dependants include spouses, sons under 25, and unmarried daughters, who can complete residence procedures after arrival. The measure was coordinated between the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Affected country
Saudi Arabia
Location / route
Saudi Arabia
Published by source
October 7, 2026 2:06 AM CST
Effective period
October 6, 2026 12:00 AM CST
Last verified
October 7, 2026 10:18 AM CST
Status
Active

Official guidance

Skilled foreign workers may apply for entry visas for spouses, sons under 25, and unmarried daughters concurrently with their employment visa processing, with residence permits finalised after entry.

Summary of official information. Always check the official source and follow the guidance of the authorities. UECN does not issue risk ratings; the absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.

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 process, Arabian Business reported.

According to an announcement by the Saudi Ministry of Interior, skilled expatriate heads of households can now secure entry visas for eligible dependants alongside the completion of their own work visa procedures. The regulation applies to spouses, sons under the age of 25, and unmarried daughters.

Under the updated framework, eligible skilled expatriates will no longer need to wait until after completing their own employment visa process to begin obtaining entry visas for qualifying family members. Residency procedures for family members will subsequently be finalised after their arrival in the Kingdom in accordance with applicable regulations and guidelines.

The Ministry of Interior stated that the measure was introduced in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development as part of efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents.

Revision history

  1. Active Published automatically from the official source

Sources

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