Saudi Arabia Family Visa Requirements for Pakistanis 2024 are an essential consideration for Pakistani expats who wish to bring their families to the Kingdom. With over 2.64 million Pakistanis living and working in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom remains one of the top destinations for Pakistani workers. Among these, many are eager to reunite with their loved ones. The Saudi government allows expats to sponsor their families through a family sponsorship visa, provided they meet specific requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for Saudi Arabia Family Visa for Pakistanis
To qualify for a Saudi Arabia Family Visa for Pakistanis, expats must first obtain a dependent or Iqama visa. This visa is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The sponsorship is available to workers in specific professional fields such as engineering, technical, marketing, and medicine.
The minimum monthly salary required to sponsor a family is 3,500 Riyals. This requirement ensures that only expats with a stable income can bring their families to the Kingdom.
Key Requirements for Sponsorship
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Iqama Visa: To sponsor family members, expats must hold a valid Iqama, which is issued for a one-year period. It is essential to renew this visa annually to avoid penalties.
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Salary Requirements: Expats must meet the minimum salary threshold of 3,500 Riyals per month to be eligible for family sponsorship. This ensures that the sponsor has the financial capability to support their dependents.
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Eligibility by Profession: Workers in fields like engineering, medicine, and technical professions are generally eligible for family sponsorship. However, some professions may not meet the criteria set by the Saudi government.
Renewal Process and Responsibilities
While employers are responsible for renewing the expat’s Iqama, it is the responsibility of the expat to ensure that their dependents’ Iqamas are renewed on time. Failure to renew Iqamas on time can result in severe penalties, including fines, deportation, or even jail time.
Additional Legal Protections for Pakistani Expats
Pakistani workers coming to Saudi Arabia on a work visa must also secure work visa protection from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment. This process ensures that workers receive legal protection and have access to full support from Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia, including legal assistance from the Community Welfare Attaché at the Pakistani embassy.
In summary, the Saudi Arabia Family Visa Requirements for Pakistanis provide a clear pathway for expats to bring their families to the Kingdom. By meeting the financial and professional requirements and ensuring timely renewal of visas, Pakistani expats can enjoy a smooth process for family reunification. Following the guidelines is crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure a stable life for families in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is increasing work visas for Pakistanis as part of recent policy changes to strengthen workforce exchanges between the two nations. The expanded visa quotas provide Pakistani job seekers with more opportunities to enter Saudi Arabia’s labor market, especially in high-demand fields like construction, healthcare, and IT.
This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to diversify its economy and meet the growing demand for skilled labor in various sectors.
