Saudi Arabia lets skilled foreign workers bring spouses and children on entry visas

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Human Resources and Social Development, has introduced a procedure allowing eligible skilled expatriates to obtain entry visas for immediate family members concurrently with their employment visas. Eligible dependants include spouses, sons younger than 25 and unmarried daughters. While the policy is intended to make the kingdom more attractive to high-skill talent and ease family reunification, the government has not specified which job categories meet the skilled criteria.

Consequently, the effect on the roughly 400,000 Nepali workers in the country—most of whom are classified as unskilled—may be limited. Family members will still need to complete residency formalities after arrival, adhering to existing Saudi regulations. The move aligns with broader efforts under Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and improve conditions for foreign workers.