Why Saudi Work Visa Applications Get Delayed — Common Reasons and How Employers Can Prevent Them
January 8, 2026
For professionals planning to relocate to Saudi Arabia, one of the most common and important questions is:
“How do I apply for a Saudi work visa from the United Kingdom?”
With Saudi Arabia continuing to attract international talent under Vision 2030, understanding the work visa process, documentation requirements, and timelines is essential for a smooth and compliant transition from the UK to the Kingdom.
According to recent Saudi labour data, over 13 million expatriates currently live and work in Saudi Arabia, with foreign nationals accounting for more than 60% of the private-sector workforce. Professionals from the UK remain in demand across construction, healthcare, education, engineering, IT, and energy sectors.
Purpose of the Saudi Work Visa
The Saudi work visa is a mandatory entry visa for foreign nationals who have secured employment with a Saudi-registered employer. It allows individuals to enter the Kingdom for employment purposes and is later converted into a residence permit (Iqama).
Saudi authorities require this visa to ensure legal employment, regulatory compliance, and suitability for long-term residence. UK nationals are not permitted to work in Saudi Arabia on a business or visit visa, regardless of role duration.
Who Can Apply for a Saudi Work Visa from the UK?
Professionals applying from the UK must meet the following criteria:
A valid UK passport (minimum six months’ validity)
A confirmed job offer from a Saudi employer
An approved profession under Saudi labour regulations
Successful medical and background checks
A Saudi sponsor registered with MOFA and Qiwa
A Saudi employer acts as the legal sponsor throughout the process.
Understanding the Application Process (UK Applicants)
The Saudi work visa process involves multiple regulated stages and coordination between the employer, Saudi authorities, and UK-based submissions.
The typical process includes:
Work authorisation approval
MOFA visa authorisation issued by the employer
Document legalisation and attestation in the UK
Medical examination at an approved UK clinic
Visa submission to the Saudi Embassy or authorised centre
Visa stamping
Entry into Saudi Arabia and Iqama issuance
Given the complexity of requirements, professional support can significantly reduce delays and errors.
Document & Degree Attestation Requirements
Saudi Arabia requires UK-issued documents—such as degrees and police clearance certificates—to be fully legalised before submission.
The standard attestation process includes:
Notarisation
UK FCDO legalisation
Saudi Embassy attestation
MOFA validation in Saudi Arabia
Incorrect or incomplete attestation remains one of the most common causes of visa delays and refusals.
Medical Examination Requirements
All applicants must complete a medical examination at an embassy-approved medical centre in the UK. This confirms medical fitness for employment and long-term residence.
Tests typically include:
General physical examination
Blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis)
Chest X-ray for tuberculosis
Urinalysis and glucose screening
Pregnancy test where applicable
Medical reports must strictly comply with Saudi Embassy and MOFA guidelines.
Processing Time for a Saudi Work Visa from the UK
Average timelines are as follows:
Document attestation: 1–3 weeks
Medical testing and submission: 3–5 working days
Visa stamping: 5–10 working days
Most applications are completed within 3–6 weeks, subject to employer approvals and document accuracy.
After Arrival in Saudi Arabia
Once in the Kingdom:
The employer processes the Iqama
Biometric registration is completed
Mandatory health insurance is activated
Access to banking and local services becomes available
Foreign employees should not change employers or travel internationally until the Iqama is issued.
Family Sponsorship & Dependents
After receiving an Iqama, eligible professionals may sponsor their family members, subject to salary thresholds, profession classification, and employer approval. Dependents are not permitted to work unless separately sponsored.
How Saudi and Gulf Visa Services Limited Can Support You
At Saudi and Gulf Visa Services Limited, we specialise in end-to-end Saudi work visa support for UK-based professionals and employers. Our team manages every stage of the process — from document attestation and medical coordination to embassy submissions and compliance checks — ensuring your application meets all Saudi regulatory requirements.
Whether you are applying for your first Saudi work visa or managing multiple employee relocations, our experience helps minimise delays, reduce risk, and deliver a smooth transition to Saudi Arabia.
For professional guidance on Saudi work visas, document attestation, or employer-sponsored applications from the UK, contact Saudi and Gulf Visa Services Limited to discuss your case with confidence.
