Iqama Sponsorship Rules for Indians Applying for Family Residence Visa
September 16, 2025
Sponsorship Rules for French Employees Applying for a Saudi Work Visa
Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a top destination for international talent. With opportunities expanding in energy, healthcare, technology, and infrastructure, more and more professionals are looking to the Kingdom to grow their careers. For French employees, the very first step is securing a Saudi work visa — and at the center of this process is the sponsorship system.
This overview highlights the main sponsorship rules that French employees need to be aware of, as well as the obligations employers must uphold.
The Sponsorship System Explained
Under the Kafala (sponsorship) system, every foreign employee must be sponsored by a Saudi-based employer. The sponsor, usually the hiring company, carries full legal responsibility for the employee throughout the assignment in Saudi Arabia.
The sponsor manages critical steps, including:
Issuing the work visa invitation letter
Coordinating with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
Processing the work permit and residency permit (Iqama)
Ensuring compliance with labor and immigration laws
In practice, the sponsor serves as the essential link between international professionals and the regulatory environment of Saudi Arabia.
Sponsorship Rules for French Employees
Under the Kafala (sponsorship) system, every foreign employee must be sponsored by a Saudi-based employer. The sponsor, usually the hiring company, carries full legal responsibility for the employee throughout the assignment in Saudi Arabia.
The sponsor manages critical steps, including:
Issuing the work visa invitation letter
Coordinating with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
Processing the work permit and residency permit (Iqama)
Ensuring compliance with labor and immigration laws
In practice, the sponsor serves as the essential link between international professionals and the regulatory environment of Saudi Arabia.
1. Employer Eligibility
Only companies officially registered in Saudi Arabia, with valid Commercial Registration (CR) and labor quota allocation, are authorized to sponsor foreign nationals. Employers must also demonstrate the business need for international recruitment.
2. Employee Requirements
French professionals must hold a legally binding employment contract with their Saudi sponsor. Academic and professional certificates must be attested in France and legalized at the Saudi Embassy. A medical examination at an approved center is mandatory before visa issuance.
3. Visa Processing Steps
The sponsoring employer initiates the application through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Once a visa authorization number is generated, the French applicant submits the visa request at the Saudi Embassy or designated visa centers in France.
After arrival in the Kingdom, the sponsor completes the process by securing the residency permit (Iqama).
4. Sponsor’s Responsibilities
Sponsors must ensure ongoing compliance for all employees under their care, including:
Renewing visas and Iqamas before expiry
Meeting contractual obligations under Saudi labor law
Reporting employment changes such as transfers or terminations
5. Transfer of Sponsorship
Under the Labor Reform Initiative (LRI), employees may transfer sponsorship to another employer if specific conditions are met. While this reform introduces greater flexibility, the transfer process remains subject to Saudi labor and immigration rules.
Why These Rules Matter
For French nationals, sponsorship regulations influence far more than entry into the Kingdom. The system also impacts access to essential aspects of daily life, including banking, housing, and healthcare.
For employers, strict compliance with sponsorship rules is crucial. Failure to do so may result in penalties, restrictions on foreign recruitment, or reputational risks.
For French professionals moving to Saudi Arabia, sponsorship is the key to both employment rights and daily stability. When contracts, documents, and compliance are handled correctly, potential issues are avoided and long-term goals remain on track.
Saudi and Gulf Visa Services helps make this process simple and stress-free. Our team manages the complex steps, reduces paperwork, and ensures full compliance. With the right support, sponsorship becomes more than a formality — it becomes the path to successful careers and business growth in Saudi Arabia.
