Here are the new rules related to foreign national residency visas in Saudi Arabia:
Here are the key points about this visa:
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must demonstrate expertise in scientific research, health care, information technologies, financial services, space and defense, renewable energy, mining, logistics and transport, tourism infrastructure, and food and agriculture.
The applicant’s expertise should align with the
specified categories to qualify for this visa.
Duration: The Special Talent Residency Visa has a duration of five years.
It can be renewed for one more term if the
applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria.
Benefits: This visa holder has the right to live and work in Saudi Arabia without requiring a sponsor. It provides an opportunity for foreign nationals to contribute their expertise to the country’s economy.
Visa holders can freely leave and
re-enter Saudi Arabia.
Application Process: Applicants need to submit relevant documents, including proof of expertise, a valid passport, a clean criminal record, financial solvency, and an updated health report. The application process involves meeting specific requirements and demonstrating eligibility.
Significance: The Special Talent Residency Visa aims to attract skilled professionals, researchers, and experts to Saudi Arabia. It contributes to the country’s development by encouraging foreign investment and knowledge transfer.
Remember that this visa is a significant step
toward creating a more diverse and dynamic workforce in Saudi Arabia. If you
have any further questions or need additional information, feel free to ask!
Exit-Entry Work Residency Visa: The General Directorate of Passports has removed the previous regulation’s three-year ban on holders of Exit-Entry Residency Visas who, having left the country, failed to return before the expiration of their visas. Foreign nationals who violated exit-entry visa requirements can now reenter the country without any restrictions.
Let me provide you with information about the Exit-Entry Work Residency Visa in Saudi Arabia:
Purpose:
The Exit-Entry Work Residency Visa allows individuals
legally residing and working in Saudi Arabia to travel outside the country and
return within a stipulated time.
Types of Exit-Entry Visas:
There are two types of Exit-Entry Visas:
Single Exit Reentry Visa: Allows a single exit
from and re-entry into Saudi Arabia within its validity period.
Multiple Exit Reentry Visa: Permits multiple exits
and re-entries within its validity.
Requirements for Employees (Self-Exit Reentry
Visa):
Passport validity: At least 3 months
beyond the visa period.
Iqama (residency permit) validity: 3 months beyond the
visa duration.
Maximum visa duration: 30 days.
Procedure:
Log in to your Absher account.
Click on the “My Services” tab.
Select “Passports” and then click on “Visa
Requests”.
Choose “Exit Re-entry Visa (Single)”,
specify the return date (within 30 days), and confirm the request.
The employer has 10 days to approve or
reject the request.
If approved, the employee has 5 days to issue the exit re-entry visa.
Requirements for Dependents:
Passport validity: 3 months beyond the
visa period.
Iqama validity: The Iqama holder must
return 7 days before the Iqama expiry date.
Payment of the exit re-entry visa fee.
No newborn dependents without an Iqama in Saudi
Arabia.
No unpaid violations.
Recent Changes:
The General Directorate of Passports lifted the
three-year ban on expatriates who failed to return before the expiry of their
exit and re-entry visas. This decision, effective from January 16, followed
demands from businessmen and overturned the previous Council of Ministers’
ruling.
Conditions include settling traffic fines,
having no visa violations, valid visa absence, a passport validity of 90 days,
and fingerprint capture for visa issuance1.
Remember that the Exit-Entry Work Residency
Visa facilitates travel while maintaining legal status in Saudi Arabia.
Premium Residency Visa Modifications:
Royal Decree No. M/106 introduced two important
modifications to the Premium Residency Visa Law:
The age limit for holding a Premium Residency
Visa has been adjusted to allow foreign nationals who are less than 21 years of
age to apply for this visa. Previously, the age requirement was not less than
21 years.
Foreign nationals holding Premium Residency
Visas may now apply for Saudi citizenship, which was previously prohibited.
This change opens up new opportunities for long-term residency in Saudi
Arabia.
Eligibility for Premium Residency Visa: Let’s discuss the
eligibility criteria for the Premium Residency Visa in Saudi Arabia. This visa
is designed to attract foreign nationals who wish to live and work in the
country without requiring a sponsor. Here are the key points:
Age Requirement:
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age to
be eligible for the Premium Residency Visa.
Clean Criminal Record:
Applicants should have a clean criminal record
with no precedents.
Financial Solvency:
Proof of financial stability is required.
Applicants must demonstrate their ability to support themselves during their
stay in Saudi Arabia.
Health Report:
An updated health report confirming freedom
from contagious diseases is necessary.
Legal Current Residency Status (if
applying from within the kingdom):
Applicants already residing in Saudi Arabia
must provide proof of their legal current residency status.
Benefits of Premium Residency:
Holders of the Premium Residency Visa enjoy
various privileges, including the right to invest in the Saudi Capital Market.
They can freely leave and re-enter Saudi Arabia
without restrictions.
Remember that the Premium Residency Visa is a significant step toward attracting wealthy foreigners, investors, and skilled professionals to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economy.
