Saudi Arabia recently published a detailed list of professions that are eligible for family visit visas. It is vital to note that only a few occupations are listed on this list, and individuals must check that their present occupation, as specified on their Iqama (residence permission), corresponds to the eligible professions. The term “Mehna” refers to the work category or occupation specified on the Iqama, therefore individuals must be informed of their own Mehna.
Individuals are only legally permitted to work in the professions stated on their Iqama. As a result, if their present career is not on the approved list, they will need to change their Iqama profession.
In Saudi Arabia, the list of qualifying occupations for family visa sponsorship is separated into three categories:
Manager/Director/Consulting:
- Accounts Manager
- Administrative Manager
- Air Transport Manager
- Archeological Director
- Bank Manager
- Commercial Manager
- Consultant (all types)
- Director (in various fields)
- Hotel Manager
- Marketing Manager
- School Manager
- Sales Manager
- Tourism Agency Manager
- And more
Specialist:
- Agricultural Specialist
- Dental Technician
- Medical Analysis Specialist
- Nutrition Specialist
- Sports Medicine Specialist
- X-Ray Specialist
- Zoology Specialist
- And more
Technicians:
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician
- Computer Technician
- Dental Technician
- Lab Technician
- Medical Equipment Technician
- X-ray Technician
- And more
Other eligible professions:
- Accountant / Auditor
- Businessman / Businesswoman
- Lawyer / Advocate
- Nurse
- Pharmacist
- Pilot
- Professor
- Translator
- And many more
Individuals with Iqama occupations that are not included among the acceptable categories must modify their Iqama profession in order to apply for a family visit visa in Saudi Arabia. However, specific prerequisites for changing the Iqama profession must be met, such as registering with relevant professional bodies, attesting to degrees, and paying the required fees.
Individuals can apply for a family visit visa once their Iqama occupation has been updated. It is recommended to monitor progress via the Absher account and to visit the Jawazat office to receive the new Iqama reflecting the revised profession.
This recent clarification of allowed occupations for family visit visas offers individuals clarity and simplifies the smooth application procedure in Saudi Arabia. It ensures that families can reconcile and spend quality time together while adhering to the authorities’ rules.
