Saudi authorities have unveiled a new package of regulations and incentives for foreign workers and residents.

The latest updates allow qualified expatriate professionals to bring their families into the Kingdom alongside their initial work visas, while also streamlining final exit procedures for domestic workers during their probation period.

Immediate Family Recruitment for Professional Expatriates

Under a joint initiative by the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, eligible foreign professionals can now apply for family visas simultaneously with their own employment visas.

Expatriates no longer need to wait until completing residency (Iqama) procedures after arriving in Saudi Arabia to sponsor their dependents.

  • Eligible Dependents: Spouses, sons under the age of 25, and unmarried daughters.
  • Requirements: Eligibility is contingent upon meeting minimum salary thresholds, educational qualifications, and professional classifications.
  • Process: Dependent visa applications are processed alongside the primary worker’s visa, with final Iqama issuance completed upon arrival in the Kingdom.
  • Objective: The policy aims to improve the overall quality of life for foreign residents and enhance Saudi Arabia's competitiveness in attracting global talent and skilled professionals.

New Rules for Domestic Workers' Final Exit During Probation

Additionally, the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), in coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources, outlined updated regulations for issuing final exit visas for domestic workers during their 90-day probation period before Iqama issuance via the "Absher" platform.

  • Key Conditions: The worker must be present inside the Kingdom, have a valid passport (minimum 60 days remaining), have no outstanding traffic violations, and not be reported as missing (runaway) or deceased.
  • Contractual Terms: A formal, written employment contract allowing both parties to terminate the relationship during the 90-day probation period is mandatory. Probation periods cannot be repeated for the same worker under the same employer unless there is a mutually agreed-upon change in job role.