If you’re planning to work in Saudi Arabia and need to process your work visa while in Pakistan, this article will provide a thorough overview of the entire process. We will cover everything from gathering necessary documents to completing the required steps at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad and Karachi. Whether you're applying for a general trades or labor category visa, this guide will ensure you're well-prepared for a smooth application process.

Understanding the Saudi Arabian Work Visa

The Saudi Arabian work visa allows foreign nationals to work legally in Saudi Arabia. For the purpose of this guide, we will focus on the labor category or general trades. visa, commonly known as the "Aamil’s visa." This visa is intended for individuals engaged in manual labor, trades, and other similar roles.

Initial Steps for Visa Processing

Before diving into the specifics of visa processing, let’s outline the initial steps required for obtaining a Saudi Arabian work visa:

Obtain E-Wakala (Visa Authorization).

The first step in processing your Saudi work visa is obtaining an E-Wakala, also known as visa authorization. This is an essential document provided by your Saudi sponsor, which allows you to proceed with your visa application.

What is E-Wakala?

 E-Wakala is a form of authorization from your Saudi sponsor that confirms their endorsement of your visa application. It is essential for initiating the visa processing procedure in Pakistan.

How to Obtain E-Wakala

Your Saudi sponsor will send the E-Wakala to the visa processing agency you choose. Ensure that your sponsor provides this document promptly, as it is crucial for the next steps.

Medical Examination

Once you have obtained the E-Wakala, the next step is to undergo a medical examination. This is a mandatory requirement for all visa applicants to ensure they meet the health standards set by Saudi Arabia.

• How to Book an Appointment: To book your medical appointment, visit the official website. This site allows you to schedule your medical examination with authorized clinics. Be cautious of unofficial websites offering similar services.
• What to Expect: The medical examination will include a general health check-up, blood tests, and other relevant assessments. Ensure you follow any specific instructions provided by the medical facility.
• Medical Report: After completing your examination, you will receive a medical report. This document must be submitted along with your visa application.

Biometrics

The next step in the process is biometrics, which involves providing your fingerprint and other biometric data. This step is crucial for identity verification and security purposes.

• Where to Get Biometrics Done: Biometrics are conducted at Etemad offices, also known as Etimad, Garage Vision offices, or Taser Visa offices. These offices are located in major cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Multan, and Peshawar.
• Obtaining an E-Number: Before visiting the Etemad Office, you must obtain an E-Number from your visa processing agency. This number is required for your biometric appointment.
• Biometric Appointment: Visit the nearest Etemad office with your E-Number and complete the biometric process. You will receive two slips: one for the biometric data and one for the payment. Ensure you keep these slips, as they are essential for the next steps.

Document Preparation and Submission

Once you have completed the medical and biometric steps, you need to prepare and submit several documents to your visa processing agency. These documents are crucial for the final approval of your visa application.

Essential Documents

Here is a list of the essential documents you need to prepare:

• Original Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Saudi Arabia.
• National ID Card: A copy of your National ID card is required for verification.
• Photographs: Typically, you will need 6 to 12 passport-sized photographs with a blue background. The exact number may vary depending on the agency’s requirements.
• Medical Report: Submit the medical report obtained from your examination.
• Biometrics Slips: Provide the slips issued after your biometric appointment.

Additional Requirements

Depending on the Saudi Embassy where you are applying, there may be additional requirements:

• For Islamabad, you need to provide a police character certificate. This document verifies your criminal record and is essential for visa processing.
• For Karachi: An FRC (family registration certificate) is required. This certificate is used to confirm your family background and identity.
• Final Exit Paper: If you previously worked in Saudi Arabia and returned on a final exit, include the final exit paper as part of your documentation.

Processing at the Embassy

With all documents prepared, the next step is to submit your application to the Saudi Embassy. The processing of your visa will be carried out at the Saudi Embassy in either Islamabad or Karachi, depending on your location.

Visa Application Submission

Submit all the required documents to the Saudi Embassy. Ensure that your application is complete and that all documents are accurate and up-to-date. Incomplete or incorrect submissions may delay the processing time.

• Islamabad Embassy: For applications processed at the Islamabad Embassy, make sure you have all additional documents, including the Police Character Certificate.
• Karachi Embassy: For the Karachi Embassy, ensure you have the FRC and other necessary documents.

Processing Time

The processing time for a Saudi Arabian work visa can vary depending on several factors, including the embassy’s workload and the completeness of your application.

• Estimated Time: Typically, the processing time ranges from a few weeks to a couple of months. Always check with your visa processing agency or the embassy for the most accurate timeline.

Additional Considerations

Here are some additional points to consider during the visa processing:

Ban Check

If you had previously worked in Saudi Arabia and returned on a final exit, ensure there are no bans or restrictions against you. You can verify this with the relevant authorities.

Consulting a Recruitment Agency

To ensure that you follow all required procedures correctly and to expedite the process, consider consulting a recruitment agency in Pakistan for Saudi Arabia. These agencies can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the visa application process.

Visa Renewal

After obtaining your work visa, be aware of the renewal process. Saudi Arabian work visas typically need to be renewed annually. Ensure you keep track of the expiration date and initiate the renewal process in advance.

Conclusion

Processing a Saudi Arabian work visa in Pakistan involves several critical steps, including obtaining an E-Wakala, completing a medical examination, undergoing biometric data collection, and submitting necessary documents. By following these steps and ensuring you meet all requirements, you can streamline the process and improve your chances of a successful visa application.