Saudi Arabia

EMPLOYMENT VISA PROCESS — SAUDI ARABIA STEP 1 — JOB OFFER & VISA ISSUANCE Your employer applies for a Work Visa through the Ministry of Human Resources (MHRSD) and Saudi foreign mission. A Visa Number is issued. STEP 2 — VISA STAMPING Visit the Saudi Embassy in Colombo with your passport, visa number, and required documents (medical, police clearance, educational certificates). Cost: approx LKR 25,000–35,000. STEP 3 — ARRIVAL & ENTRY Enter Saudi Arabia on the employment visa. Your employer picks you up from the airport (mandatory). STEP 4 — MEDICAL & BIOMETRICS Complete mandatory medical examination. TB test and blood screening required. STEP 5 — IQAMA (RESIDENCE PERMIT) Your employer must apply for your Iqama within 3 months of arrival. The Iqama card has your employment details. Cost paid by employer. STEP 6 — LABOUR CONTRACT You must receive a contract matching what was promised. If it differs — this is called 'contract substitution' and you can refuse and request repatriation. THE KAFALA SYSTEM (REFORMED) Saudi Arabia has reformed the Kafala (sponsorship) system significantly: • Workers can now change employers without sponsor permission after 12 months • Workers can exit the country and return without employer's NOC • Premium Residency is available for highly skilled workers • Domestic workers have some but fewer protections IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO CARRY • Passport (employer cannot hold it legally, though common in practice) • Iqama card (carry at all times) • Labour contract copy • Employer contact details MOHRE COMPLAINT: 19911 (Ministry of Human Resources helpline) Labour Attaché at Sri Lanka Embassy: +966-11-4542614