Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, many expat organizations exist. Join social media platforms like Facebook for local Indian community groups.
Use apps like Duolingo or hire a local tutor. Common phrases include:
“Thank you” – Shukran (شكراً)
“How are you?” – Kaif Halak? (كيف حالك؟)
The official language is Arabic (العربية). While English is widely used in business and service sectors, learning basic Arabic, especially greetings and numbers, can help you integrate better into society.
The currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). You can open a local bank account once you receive your Residence Permit (Iqama إقامة). Banks like Al Rajhi Bank, Riyad Bank, and Saudi National Bank (SNB) offer services for expatriates.
Saudi Arabia is generally very safe, with strict laws ensuring public order. Always adhere to local customs and laws, especially concerning public behavior and dress code.
The process includes:
Securing a job offer and sponsorship from a Saudi employer.
Submitting your Valid Passport (جواز سفر صالح), Visa Application Form (نموذج طلب التأشيرة), and required documents to an authorized visa agent or through the Saudi Embassy.
More details: https://visa.mofa.gov.sa.
Verify your sponsor’s credentials through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (وزارة الموارد البشرية والتنمية الاجتماعية):
https://www.hrsd.gov.sa.
You can check your visa status using the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (وزارة الخارجية) portal:
https://visa.mofa.gov.sa. Enter your passport details and application number.
The Iqama is a residency permit issued to foreign workers. It is essential for legal residency, opening bank accounts, and accessing services like healthcare.
Valid passport with six months’ validity.
Employment contract (عقد العمل).
Sponsorship letter (خطاب الكفالة).
Medical fitness certificate.
Mandatory: COVID-19 and meningococcal (during Hajj season).
Recommended: Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and flu vaccines.
Yes, but ensure you carry a prescription from a doctor. Check restricted medicines with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA):
https://sfda.gov.sa.
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all visa applicants. It must cover health emergencies and repatriation.
Men: Modest clothing. Shorts are acceptable in informal settings but avoid them in formal or religious areas.
Women: Abayas are not mandatory, but modest clothing is expected. Covering the head is optional unless in religious sites.
Greetings often include a handshake or a “Salam” (السلام عليكم).
Avoid public displays of affection.
Respect prayer times and avoid loud activities during these hours.
The probation period is usually 90 days but can be extended to 180 days based on mutual agreement.
Under recent labor reforms, you can switch jobs without your sponsor’s consent if certain conditions are met. Learn more: https://www.hrsd.gov.sa.
The standard workweek is Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as weekends. Working hours are 8 hours daily, reduced to 6 hours during Ramadan for Muslims.
Use platforms like Bayut or contact local real estate agents. Many expatriates prefer gated communities or serviced apartments.
Yes, expatriates can live independently, and family visas allow relatives to join.
Yes, Indian International Schools (IIS) in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam follow the CBSE curriculum.
Yes, but admission requirements vary. International schools are a popular choice.
Yes, with a valid Saudi driving license. Expatriates can convert their Indian license if eligible.
Options include buses, the Riyadh Metro (ongoing development), and ride-hailing apps.
es, places like Diriyah, Al Ula, and Edge of the World are open to expatriates.
Yes, cinemas are now open across major cities following Vision 2030 reforms.
File a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources through their hotline (19911) or online:
https://www.hrsd.gov.sa.
Eid al-Fitr: Marks the end of Ramadan.
Eid al-Adha: Coincides with Hajj.
Saudi National Day: September 23rd.
Employment Visa (تأشيرة العمل): For jobs.
Business Visa (تأشيرة الأعمال): For meetings and conferences.
Visit Visa (تأشيرة زيارة): For family visits.
https://cgijeddah.gov.in/content-page-MTEz.html
Visit the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) website for a list of approved agents: https://www.emigrate.gov.in.
Verify through the e-Migrate portal: https://www.emigrate.gov.in. Ensure it includes salary, job role, and other benefits.
Yes, tests include screening for HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. Ensure testing is done at an authorized GAMCA center: https://gcchmc.org.
Complete immigration formalities.
Ensure your Kafeel (كفيل) registers your arrival.
Keep all original documents handy.
Avoid bringing alcohol, pork, religious books other than Islamic texts, and drugs. Check Saudi Customs regulations: https://initiatives.cfkc.gov.sa/en/saudi-customs
Check your Iqama (الإقامة) details on the Absher portal: https://www.absher.sa.
Housing allowance.
Health insurance.
Annual leave and airfare for repatriation.
Report to the Ministry of Human Resources hotline (19911) or through their online grievance system: https://www.hrsd.gov.sa.
Your landlord or sponsor often assists. Use Saudi Electricity Company’s portal for bill payments: https://www.se.com.sa.
Use the Ministry of Labor and Social Development’s portal: https://www.mol.gov.sa.
Contact the embassy or your authorized agent to identify the issue. Reapply with corrected documents.
It depends on what kind of Visa you are applying but typically 1-4 weeks, depending on document verification and consulate workload.
No, a valid Iqama (الإقامة) is required for long-term rentals. Short-term options may not require it.
Yes, with a Family Visa (تأشيرة الأسرة) sponsored by your employer or Kafeel.
Reach out to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh: https://www.eoiriyadh.gov.in.
you can reach out to AR International Manpower Recruitment Agency. They have more than 25 years of experience of Saudi Visa as well as they are very trusted because they are approved by Ministry of External Affairs, India (MEA, India) and The Royal Embassy Of Saudi Arabia, Delhi.
MEA Approved visa agent and recruitment agencies offer a varied range of service like legalisation, documentation, apostille, attestation, visa stamping, hrd attestation etc. You can reach out to either AR International of Apostille Attest for your all visa documentation needs.