Hello everyone, I hope you’re all doing well.

I’ve recently accepted a job offer in Saudi Arabia. As I understand, my employer is currently working on obtaining approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia before I can officially start the visa application process and other related steps.

Does this sound correct to those who have been through this process? It’s been over a month now, and I haven’t received any updates. How long does this step typically take? Should I follow up with my employer for an update?

Additionally, once this approval is granted, what is the expected timeline to complete the remaining requirements and obtain the visa? I had originally stated mid-February as my start date, but at this pace, I’m beginning to feel this might not be achievable.

I’d appreciate any insights or advice

Hi,

Yes, this is the same process as I went through. It took about 2 months for my employer to get all the paperwork applied for and sent to the visa centre.
Once this was done, it only took me about 2 weeks to go through the visa process in London.
If you are UK based, you will need to have a medical and provide police ACRO reports as part of the visa. I did this whilst I was waiting as they are valid for 3 months.
If everything is successful and you get a visa issued, it is then valid for 90 days. You will need to be in Saudi Arabia before that 90 days expires.

thanks alot for sharing your experience with this.
One more question - did your employer attested your education certificates as part of the two months wait?

Yes, they did that at the same time. Although, you should check how that is done now as I heard that education certificates have to be done by yourself now using a Saudi government website called Mosadaqa. Would be worth confirming as that may take a while.

I have recently attested my education certificates, first through Mosadaqa, and then was informed of the new requirement that all certificates should be verified through QVP. Each stage took about 5 working days