Family Visa and Increase Visa Fee in Saudi Arabia

Well, the new visit visa fees also includes family visit visa, which means that, the increase in visit visa fees will also effect the fee of family visit visa in Saudi Arabia

Family Visit Visa Fee in Saudi Arabia:

The change is already announced by the government of Saudi Arabia regarding to increase in family visit visa fees. As per Etimad in Pakistan which is an authorized agent by Saudi Embassy has published, the new family visit visa fee for Saudi Arabia is SR 2000 which s approximately PRK 58,600. The fee will be charge in home country instead of Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia.

Status of Family Visit Visa Already Submitted to MOFA

If you have already applied for family visit visa through MOFA’s website. Then you should keep an eye of your application status because recently MOFA has rejected all the applications which has been applied for family visit visa. They are asking to apply once again with new visa fee and rules. Although, there is not any changed in the process of applying in family visit visa. But if your application is rejected due to new system, then you have apply for family visit visa once again trough MOFA through their new system. recommend : How to Check Saudi Arabia Visa Status (Enjaz) – Work Visa

Permanent “Family Visa in Saudi Arabia”

The Saudi expatriates who wants to apply for permanent family visa in Saudi Arabia should note it down that there is also increase in permanent family visa. You have to pay extra SR 2000 in case if you want to bring your family in Saudi Arabia permanently. similar : Saudi Arabia Increased Visit Visa Fee up to 2000/SR

How to Apply for Family Visit Visa Online in Saudi Arabia 2016

The process does not required you to follow much steps while with the help of technology, you can now apply for “family visit visa online” through Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website.

See Also : Saudi Arabia Revises Visa Fees

Validity of family visit visa Saudi Arabia:

The validity of family visit visa in Saudi Arabia is 180 days or 6 months.

Documents required for family visit visa:

You only required to have your Iqama number along with its expiry date and your visa number which is mentioned on your passport on stamped visa. You also need basic information about your family members including their passport details.

See Also : Family Visa in Saudi Arabia, 200+ Professions Eligible

Online procedure to apply for family visit visa:

Step 1: Visit MOFA website and select the online family visit visa application section. Click here for direct link.

Step 2: Click on English language from top of the page and click on the agree button. In case if the page did not translate automatically, we highly suggest you to use Google Chrome browser for online translation.

Step 3: Enter your

• Visa number
• Iqama number
• Iqama expiry date and click next.

Step 4: Confirm your details on this page. Make sure to mach your name, email ID, mobile number and other important date on this page is correct. Click next to confirm this.

Step 5: Write down the details to start filling application for the visit visa form. Write رحلة عائلية in justification section which means is family trip. Select single trip and select visit visa duration and click on addition for next step.

Step 6: On this page, you need to add the details about your family members who want to visit Saudi Arabia on the bases of family visit visa. Enter, name, religion, gender, relation of you, nationality, date of birth, and details where dependent travelling. Click on submit button once your complete this section. Double check the details of your family member and remove all the errors.

Step 7: The website will allow you to print the application form for reference. Print this page for reference purpose.

You will get confirmation email about your family visit visa application status from 3 days to 1 month.

Saudi Arabia Revises Visa Fees including Visa Fee for Hajj and Umrah

As per the revise visa fee, the government of Saudi Arabia will bears the visa fee for those pilgrims who are coming to KSA for the first time. A person who has visited Saudi Arabia already in past has to pay SR 2,000 for his single entry visa which cost about $533. This fee is applicable on all visitors including those who are coming for travel purpose, business purpose or to perform Hajj and Umrah except first time pilgrims.

Following is the complete details about the revised visa fee in Saudi Arabia

• One time entry visa fee SR2000
• Government of KSA will pay visa fee for first time pilgrims
• 6 month multi entry visa fee SR3000
• 1 year multi entry visa fee SR5000
• 2 years multi entry visa fee SR8000
• Transit visa fee for Saudi Arabia is SR300
• Departure visa fee at seaports SR50
• Exit visa fee for single 2 month trip SR200
• Re-entry visa fee for single 2 month trip SR200
• Re-entry/exit visa fee for every additional month is SR100
• For 3 month exit/re-entry visa fee is SR500
• Multiple Re-entry/exit visa fees for every additional month is SR200

The changed in visa fee was not the only agenda of cabinet, but they also revises and introduced new fines regarding to traffic violation according to which the fine for those who mortgage their drive’s license or IS is SR1,000 and the fine for car seizure (first violation for car drifting) is SR20,000

Increase Visa Fee in Saudi Arabia

Well, the new visit visa fees also includes family visit visa, which means that, the increase in visit visa fees will also effect the fee of family visit visa in Saudi Arabia.

Although, if you are “visiting Saudi Arabia” for business or study visa, or family visit, then you will be also get effected by the new visa fees.

Recommend : How to Extend Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia 

The new visa fees will be effected by 2 October 2016 which is also 1st Hijri 1438 in Saudi Arabia. The details of increase in visa application fees is mentioned below:

Increase in Hajj and Umrah Fees in Saudi Arabia

Other than Umrah and Hajj fee, you need to pay 2000/SR per person if you are coming for Hajj and Umrah purpose. For people who are coming first time for Umrah and Hajj purpose, the government of Saudi Arabia will bear this fee but for the second time, the individuals has to pay their own 2000/SR visa fee.

Read Also : How to Check Saudi Arabia Visa Status (Enjaz) – Work Visa

Single Entry Visit Visa Fees in Saudi Arabia

The single entry visit visa fee has been increased to 2000/SR. This visit could be for any purpose including working and business visa etc. Every one has to pay this fee.

Multiple-entry visit visa Fees in Saudi Arabia

For fix month multiple entry visit visa, you need to pay 3,000/SR in which you may have as many as visit to Saudi Arabia. There is no restriction on number of visits. Where the fee for one year multiple entry visit visa if 5000/SR and 8000/SR for two years.

See Also : How to Apply for Family Visit Visa Online in Saudi Arabia

Transit visa fees in Saudi Arabia

The transit visit visa fee in Saudi Arabia has increased up to 300/SR on all international airports. re-commanded : Family Visa in Saudi Arabia, 200+ Professions Eligible

NO MORE UNLIMITED PLAN ON PREPAID SIM CARDS (KSA)

CITC #NO_MORE_UNLIMITED_PLANS ON SIM CARDS
NO MORE UNLIMITED PLANS ON #PREPAID_SIM_CARDS IN SAUDI ARABIA

Starting from the New Islamic Year-١٤٣٨/1438 No more Sim Cards Allowed with Unlimited Data or internet Plans in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as per the decision of the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC).

STC, Mobily and Zain Mobile Networks in KSA already dropped unlimited internet plans on new sim cards starting from this New Year-1438 (October 2, 2016). Recommend : APN settings of STC Mobily Zain Friendi Virgin

-The aim for taking this into action is to reduce the pressure on the networks and to provide a quality service, It has been seen a rise in operation signals exceeding global averages. Related : STC sawa to sawa balance transfer

The usage statistics of internet plans on prepaid sim cards is much higher in Saudi Arabia compared to other countries. The above action will surely help it to make stable in the Kingdom. Similar : Register Saudi prepaid sim card in MOI

This effect will be only on unlimited prepaid sim cards in this first phase

amazon

https://www.amazon.in/gp/join-and-earn?_encoding=UTF8&ref=mrp_44571_shr_cpbd_rf_d&refcust=4JXHTWI275IOXUPDANHU45NWAM

Work in Jeddah

If you dream of settling in Jeddah, you will probably have to find a job there. Here are some tips to guide you through your job search.

Jeddah, which is found in the Hejaz Tihama region, on the Red Sea coast, is Saudi Arabia's second biggest and most popular city. Thus, it has been attracting foreigners across the globe due to the numerous job prospects it provides. In fact, Jeddah is West Saudi Arabia's major urban region, hosting not only the Jeddah Islamic Port, which is the country's biggest port, but also the country's commercial hub. In fact, Jeddah is deemed to be an opening on two holy cities, namely Mecca and Medina.

 Good to know:

To date, Jeddah's workforce consists of some 5 million workers, including a large number of expatriates.

Economy

Jeddah is known to be one of Saudi Arabia's economic hubs. In fact, the Eastern Province's economy mainly relies on petroleum. Over the years, oil refining has become another important pillar. You will also find quarries, power plants and mines, etc. Moreover, the Jeddah Islamic Port has also given a new dynamism to the city thanks to its 58 docks, its shipyard, as well as its re export and storage spaces. In short, storage, packaging, transport, trade and logistics also contribute to the city's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Note that Jeddah economy benefits not only from a strong technical and scientific leadership but also from massive investment. In 2009, MAN, which is a German company, has set up its head office in Jeddah, followed by Italcementi, which is an Italian cement company. You will also find major companies such as Saudi Binladen Group, Saudi Airlines, etc.

 Good to know:

Jeddah regularly hosts events such as automotive, machinery and equipment, processing and packaging exhibitions. Do not miss these!

Labor market

Most of Jeddah's companies are found along the King Abdullah street, which is next to the port. Local authorities are planning to set up the Middle-East region's biggest business district in the future. For now, you can search on the companies found in this street so as to have an idea about job prospects available there. You can even try your luck by sending spontaneous job applications to these companies.

The city also hosts many shops and shopping malls, particularly along the Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Aziz street, which was formerly known as Tahaliyah Street. Who knows, you might find a vacancy at Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Tod's, Massimo Dutti, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana or Gucci. Moreover, information and communication technology, services, finance, real estate, construction, food processing, etc., are more promising sectors. As regards women, they are more likely to be hired in the education and health care fields.

 Good to know:

The hottest profile candidates have more chances of being hired in Saudi Arabia. Urban development experts, for instance, are the most welcome in Jeddah as local authorities are planning to further develop the city's infrastructure. Among these projects, a high speed lane which should connect Mecca to Medina and a land bridge which should facilitate access to the Persian Gulf from Jeddah.

Find a job

Now that you know more about the local labor market, you can start your job search on the internet thanks to general and specialized websites. Feel free to post your resume online so that potential employers can contact you. You can also register with a recruitment agency in Jeddah right from your home country.

 Important:

A good knowledge of English is mandatory to be hired in Jeddah.

 Useful links:

Expat.com - Jobs in Jeddah
Expat.com – Jeddah Forum 
Official page of the city of Jeddah www.jeddah.gov.sa
Gulf Talent www.gulftalent.com
Bayt www.bayt.com
Mihnati www.mihnati.com
Deloitte jobs.deloitte.com
Glassdoor Jeddah www.glassdoor.com

Permanent Family Visa APPLICATION FORM KSA Download

Expats community in Saudi Arabia is seeking and requesting information and required Forms for applying Family Visa in Saudi Arabia. So I decided I will try to put this info at my blog to make it available for the expats community.

Here is Permanent Family visa application form for Non Saudi persons, you can download it from here. It is MS Word file. Although it is available on many Arabic forums but due to not having much familiarity with Arabic language expatriates miss this. In Arabic it is called طلب استقدام للأفراد غير السعودين

If you don’t know which documents are required and what is the procedure for getting family visa then I have compiled this post for you. Read it fully to understand family visa step by step process. How to Get a Family Visa in Saudi Arabia. Family Visa in Saudi Arabia requires a suitable profession, if your profession is not eligible for family visa you can read here how to change your profession in Saudi Arabia.

Download Permanent Family Visa Application Form

Click Here to Download Family Visa Application form in Ms Word.

Click Here to Download Family Visa Application form in PDF

EXPATRIATES HELPLINE

Saudi Arabian Govt has provided a helpline for expatriates to discuss and solve their problems, register complaints against abuse of law by sponsors or anyone else.

Expatriates can call this number 19911 and submit their complaint in a variety of languages available from Saturday to Thursday. Currently available languages are Arabic, English, urdu, Hindi, Indonesian, Amharic, Malayalam and Tagalog.

QSaudi Blog has created a very useful graphic for this purpose which can be seen below.

So if you are an expat in Saudi Arabia and you are having any difficulty regarding labor law, abuse of law or any other issues related with your company or sponsor feel free to dial this number and authorities will guide you to the possible solution.

Details of ‘Green Card’ for expats coming

JEDDAH: Labor Minister Mufrej Al-Haqabani has said that his ministry is still waiting for details of the “Green Card” for expatriates proposed recently by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 
Al-Haqabani was speaking during a press conference about Saudization in the country, a local daily reported. The report said an announcement is going to be made on coming Monday on the residency system for 11 million expatriates in the country.
Prince Mohammed had mooted the Green Card plan earlier this month during an interview with Bloomberg about the country’s measures to diversify the economy in the wake of the slump in oil prices.
Al-Haqabani also said that the government is going ahead with the Saudization of the telecommunications sector, and that expatriates could either stay and change jobs or leave the Kingdom. He said the ministry was putting in place plans with other government agencies to enforce the new directive.
“The labor market is being assessed and analyzed to make sure that there are Saudis prepared and trained to take up jobs in the telecommunications sector. Our youth have already enrolled in such training programs and are ready for work,” he said.
In a statement released after opening up the labor market forum in Riyadh on Tuesday, the minister said the ministry was analyzing various business activities according to new regulations that came into force this week.
The main aim was to ensure that there were jobs for Saudis, that would help boost the country’s economy. The plans were being implemented with the private sector, Human Resources Development Fund, Technical and Vocational Training Corporation and General Organization for Social Insurance.
Abdul Rahman Al-Zamil, chairman of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the private sector was aware of its responsibilities. “We should prioritize jobs for our children, men and women.” 
“We are facing some challenges but these could be overcome through cooperation with the ministry. The government is a partner in the search for the most effective mechanisms and means to enhance employment opportunities for citizens,” he said.

  

Iqama visa in Saudi Arabia

If you are moving to Saudi Arabia, here is some useful information on the Iqama visa which is a residence and work permit.

To be able to move to Saudi Arabia, you will need a residence or work permit. The Iqama is a residence and work permit which allows you to stay in Saudi Arabia. This document contains your personal data, including your marital status, nationality, your profession and religion. It is issued by the Immigration and Passports department of Saudi Arabia. To obtain the Iqama, you have to follow a series of procedures by calling the Saudi consulate nearest to your area.

Note that you must always be in possession of your Iqama once in Saudi Arabia. This document will be essential when you are completing any formality and if you undergo a police check.

Procedures

To be eligible for this visa, you must hold a passport valid for at least twelve months with two clear visa pages. You must have an electronic authorization from your Saudi employer if you are going to work in Saudi Arabia.

During your application, you must give a recent passport size and colour photo of you with a white background. The application form must be completed in block letters with black ink or be printed. You will obtain the application at the Saudi embassy or consulate of your region. You can visit theofficial website of the ministry of Foreign Affairs to locate the nearest Saudian embassy.

If you are accompanied by a family member, you will need a copy of your marriage certificate for your spouse and a copy of birth certificate for your children. If your son is accompanying you, he should not be more than 18 years old, and if it is your daughter, she should not be married.

If you are moving to Saudi Arabia from the United States, you must submit a copy of your green card or any other document that can prove your legal residence in the United States.

Medical report

You must submit three copies of your medical report during your application, along with three passport size photos. Your medical report must have been issued by a licensed physician who will have signed each copy, certifying that you are not suffering from any contagious disease. The doctor must register his license number and address on each copy of the report.

Note that the medical report must be used within three months after the date of issue. Otherwise, you will have to undergo a new medical examination. Children under 16 years old do not need a medical report. You will have more information about this on the following link: enjazit.com.sa

  Good to know:

You must not exceed the duration of the period of stay granted by Saudi Arabia. You are also required to be respectful towards Islamic laws and regulations of the country, as well as towards the values and traditions of Saudi society.

Useful Information and Links about Saudi Arabia

* Currency: the currency of Saudi is known as the Riyal. Use any one of the many free currency converters online to compare to dollars, GBP or Euro. 

* Weather: generally extremely hot in summer (approx. 40 – 50 degree C) and very mild in winter (approx. 15 – 25 degrees C although the nights can drop down to freezing or below on occasions). Humidity is very low, everything is very dry. 

* Translation Services: do you need an Arabic Translation Service? 

* News : check out all the latest Google news on Saudi. 

* Intercultural Know-how: use the Intercultural Business Communication tool for tips on doing business in Saudi. 

* Dialling Code: the international dialling code is +966. 

* Time: Saudi is +3 hours GMT.

TRANSPORT IN KSA.

Taxi

In general, advance booking is required in Saudi Arabia if you wish to travel by taxi. It also applies if you wish to travel to or from an airport or a shopping mall. Note that taxi drivers are not likely to stop by you in the streets if you wave at them. Moreover, most taxi drivers across the country, except in Riyadh, do not speak English.

As regards advance booking, unless you speak Arabic, it is best to seek the assistance of a local or Arabic-speaking foreigner if you know any. You should also write your destination address clearly on a piece of paper and hand it to the' driver before setting out.

Finally, most taxis are equipped with a taxi meter. Hence, fares are settled in advance. But you can still negotiate the fare with the taxi driver.

Train

Saudi Arabia has a single rail line which connects Riyadh to Dammam, passing through Al Asha and Abqaiq 5 times a day. Trips generally have a 4 hours duration. With a minimum of 50 kg of luggage, you will be able to travel in the first or second class.

 Important:

Foreigners in Saudi Arabia will have to produce their Iqama to be authorized to travel by train.

Note that advance booking is required (at least 24 hours prior to the schedules travel date) so as to secure a seat. Tickets have to be purchased at least three hours before the time of departure. Otherwise, rates will be increased by 10%.

 Good to know:

Boarding a train in Saudi Arabia is quite similar to boarding a flight. Thus, your luggage will have to be subjected to an X-ray scan and the local police will verify your travel documents. Make sure to reach the train station at least one hour in advance, especially due to the fact that train doors close five minutes before departure.

Bus

Saudi bus lines connect the major cities such as Mecca, Riyadh, Gaseem, Hail, Jeddah, Madinah, Tabuk, Taif, Abha and Dammam. Note that most buses are equiped with air conditioning and a toilet. If you wish to have extra room along with a meal, just like in a flight's first class, you will have to pay 50% extra.

Local buses are also available if you wish to mingle with the Saudi population and learn more about their culture and lifestyle.

Common means of transport

As Saudi Arabia is governed by the Shari'a which is a set of Islamic rules set by Wahhabi, women are required to respect certain rules. If these seem unacceptable or strange to you, remember that "When in Rome, do as the Romans do!".

Thus, women, including foreigners, should not travel alone in a taxi with a man unless it is her husband or a close relative. Moreover, women should not travel in a taxi whose driver is not a relative. But the police tends to bypass this rule when it comes to foreign women.

Foreign women can travel alone by train in the first or Premium class as it consists of a family section. In buses, the first row is reserved for women and families.

Note that foreigner women have to produce their Iqama while traveling if they are making a short stay in the country.

 Good to know:

Medina and Mecca are forbidden to non-Muslims.

Traveling in Saudi Arabia is relatively safe. However, make sure to check the current restrictions before heading to the Najran border in Yemen.

Driving Licence Process in Saudi Arabia

To begin the story you need to prepare your file, You need the following, Iqama copy, passport copy, visa copy, filled form, medical report, 1 photograph, kafeel letter, copy of the driving license of your country & its translation in Arabic.

Need a letter from your kafeel, get it attest from Chamber of commerce.

Ok, now get the form from driving school, you can find guys there who can fill it for you, get a stamp from Maroor on the picture of you pasted on the form. Without the stamp you won’t be able to get a medical report. Medical consist of blood group and eye test.

If you have a driving license of your country then you need a translation of it. This all can be done from driving school.

Go and submit your file, (100 SR admission fee for those who have valid driving licence of their country) he will give you 2 slips, they will ask you to attend the class, you need to come and attend the class, the will teach you about signals and violations point. After that class they will show you how to park the car in the test. Next day, you need to come for the test, The gate will open at 6, so try to come at 6:00 AM. They will give you the file, you have to go park the car at your turn, in case of failure examiner will take your file back. F you passed he will sign and return the file to you.

Next step is the signal test, go to the room, you need to answer 15 correct out of 20 in  order to pass the test, they will ask you to pick the file at 2:00 PM.

You have to come at 2:00 to collect the file from reception, pay the fee (400 SR for 10 years) from the office in the school or else online, get the print out of the receipt with you.

Next day come at 6 to collect the license, if you come late you won’t be able to get the token for the day. You will get a token, and on your turn the guy will collect the file from you and give the license to you immediately.

Note: This is done in Khobar Driving School, there might be a little change in other schools.

Regards,
Good Luck!

DRIVING IN KSA

Do you wish to drive in Saudi Arabia? Here is some useful information to help you obtain a national driver's license.

Foreigners intending to settle in Saudi Arabia may wish to drive at some point of time during their stay. However, driving in the country can be quite complicated, especially if you are not yet aware of the traffic code and regulations. You are hence advised to inquire about these beforehand so as to avoid dangerous encounters. Note also that Saudi Arabia has a very developed transport network from which you can choose to move from one region to another. Its road infrastructure is also modern like in many neighboring countries.

 Good to know:

Purchasing your own vehicle in Saudi Arabia can also be a considerable advantage due to low petroleum prices.

Road conditions

If you wish to travel privately, whether alone or with your family, you can either take a taxi or rent a car. Note that some car rental companies offer you the services of a driver alongside, especially if you are not yet used to the Saudi road traffic regulations.

If you still wish to drive on your own, you have to be well prepared to face local drivers' daily routine. In fact, Saudi drivers are famous for their dangerous driving: many of them are caught speaking on the phone while driving or passing red lights. You are less likely to find traffic police on Saudi roads. Thus, do not be surprised to see fights at road accident scenes, between young Saudi nationals and foreigners in particular.

Moreover, if you happen to be involved in a road accident, try to stay calm as you are more likely to be fined than the Saudi drivers due to your foreign nationality. You are also advised to have an Arabic-speaking friend or contact's phone number so that he can support your defense. Otherwise, only the other party's testimony will be taken into account. Having an English speaking insurance agent or taxi driver's number can also be a considerable advantage. Make sure to request a translation of the accident report before signing the document.

Recognized driver's licenses

Three different types of driver's licenses are recognized in Saudi Arabia during the first three months of stay: the UK driver's license, the US driver's license and the international driver's license. In the meantime, you will have obtained your Iqama visa which is a resident permit. Thus, your foreign driver's license will have to be converted into a Saudi driver's license, which will be mandatory thereafter.

Converting your driver's license

Unless you are a UK or US national, you will have to convert your driver's license as soon as you obtain your Iqama visa. This driver's license has a 10 years validity period and is issued following a computerized driving test. To apply for a Saudi driver's license, the following documents have to be produced:

• the green application form (which is available at the Saudi Ministry of Transport office, on its website or with driving schools in Arabic version only)
• your original Iqama visa along with a copy
• your original and valid passport along with a copy
• an authorization letter issued by your sponsor
• your original driver's license along with an official translation
• four color passport-type identity pictures
• your blood group test (can be obtained at a local hospital or clinic)
• reports of your eye tests (can be performed at a local hospital or clinic)
• tax payment bill (amounting to 435 riyals and issued by banks such as the Al-Rajhi Bank or Riyadh Bank).

Once you have submitted your application file, you will have to take driving lessons with a driving school and necessary indications from traffic police. Your colleagues or your sponsor can advise you regarding the most reliable driving schools. Finally, your new driver's license should be issued within a week.

 Warning:

Driving is prohibited to women under Saudi laws, whether or not they are of foreign origin. Hence, they are allowed to travel by car only with a male relative, their spouse or an authorized driver.

 Useful links:

Ministry of Interior - Renewal or replacement or driver's license www.moi.gov.sa/wps
General Traffic Department www.moi.gov.sa/wps/portal/traffic/
Fees www.moi.gov.sa/wps/portal/trafficriyadh/