Saudi Arabia has long been a destination of opportunity for thousands of Indians, offering careers in healthcare, construction, engineering, IT, and other fields. But behind every Saudi visa is a personal story—a tale of patience, paperwork, hope, and sometimes frustration. In this blog, we dive deep into real experiences of Indians who navigated the complex journey of Saudi Work Visas, Resident Visas, and Family Visit Visas. We also highlight the essential procedures like HRD Attestation, Apostille, QVP Takamol, and Dataflow verification for nurses that shape these journeys.
1. From Kerala to Riyadh: A Nurse’s Journey Through Dataflow and QVP
Anjali, a registered nurse from Kerala, dreamed of working in a reputed hospital in Riyadh. Her job offer was just the beginning of a tedious but rewarding journey.
Her visa process included:
- Dataflow verification of her B.Sc Nursing degree and license.
- HRD Attestation from the Kerala Secretariat.
- MEA Apostille for international recognition.
- Prometric Exam (passed on the second attempt).
- Saudi Council registration.
- QVP Takamol appointment in Kochi for biometric verification.
She recalls, “The Dataflow process took about 45 days. There were constant follow-ups and document resubmissions. But once I cleared it, everything else started falling into place.”
Anjali finally flew to Riyadh in November 2023 and now works in a private medical center. “The struggles were real, but so was the reward,” she smiles.
2. The Family Man from Hyderabad: Getting a Resident Visa for His Wife and Child
Rameez had been working in Jeddah for three years before he decided it was time to bring his family over. The resident visa process, though straightforward on paper, took him months.
Key steps involved:
- Applying for a family visa through MOFA.
- Getting his marriage and child’s birth certificate HRD attested and apostilled.
- Coordinating with his wife in Hyderabad to submit the documents to VFS Global.
“The toughest part was the waiting. Once the visa was approved, my wife had to undergo a medical exam at a GAMCA center, and there were document mismatches that delayed things,” he says.
Eventually, Rameez reunited with his family in Jeddah. “Nothing beats seeing your kid run into your arms at the airport,” he recalls emotionally.
3. An IT Professional’s Fast-Track Visa Stamping in Mumbai
Neha, a software engineer, received a job offer from a fintech company in Dammam. Her employer processed her visa under the premium category, but even then, challenges arose.
She went through:
- HRD Attestation and Apostille of her engineering degree.
- QVP Takamol registration.
- Medical tests at a GAMCA clinic in Mumbai.
- Visa stamping through an approved agent.
Neha shares, “Despite being a fast-track case, the QVP biometric appointment took three weeks. One missing stamp in my degree almost derailed the whole plan.”
Her advice? “Double-check every document, and always scan and email yourself a copy. You never know when you’ll need it.”
4. A Father’s Determination: Family Visit Visa for Parents
Ahmed, a finance manager in Dammam, wanted his parents from Lucknow to visit him. He applied for a family visit visa via the MOFA portal.
“I had to upload documents like my Iqama, passport copy, and a notarized and apostilled translation of my birth certificate to prove relationship.”
His father was asked to undergo a medical test even though it wasn’t initially required. “They said it was random screening. We didn’t want to take chances.”
After multiple visits to the VFS office and a delay in passport courier services, his parents finally landed in Dammam. “They were overjoyed to see their grandkids. All the effort was worth it.”
5. The Delayed Dream: How One Engineer Waited Months for Visa Stamping
Vikram, a mechanical engineer from Pune, got selected for a project in Saudi Aramco. But due to changes in the visa rules in 2023, his stamping was delayed by over 90 days.
“My documents were complete, but the QVP system was showing an error. The agent said my contract wasn’t uploaded properly in the Takamol system.”
He had to:
- Re-upload documents on the QVP portal.
- Re-schedule the biometric.
- Re-attest documents.
“I was frustrated but I kept at it. I followed up daily until it was fixed.”
He finally traveled to Dammam in January 2024. “Persistence is key. Saudi visa processes can test your patience.”
6. Common Themes & Takeaways from These Stories
From these diverse stories, some clear lessons emerge:
- Documentation is everything: Whether it’s HRD, Apostille, or Dataflow, missing or incorrect documents can delay your visa.
- QVP Takamol is non-negotiable for most work visa categories now.
- Stay proactive: Track your application, follow up with agents, and keep multiple copies.
- Medical exams: Always be prepared even if it seems optional.
- Family visas need care: Translations, attestations, and medical tests for dependents are often mandatory.
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia offers immense opportunities for Indians, but the visa process can be a true test of determination. Every successful applicant has a story of perseverance behind them. Whether you’re a nurse verifying credentials through Dataflow, an engineer waiting on QVP updates, or a parent bringing family on a visit visa, your journey matters.
These real stories highlight the human side of what is often seen as just a bureaucratic process. So if you’re planning your Saudi visa journey, take heart from those who made it—and get your documents ready!
