11 November 2023
Immigration
Saudi Arabia | Immigration | Additional Law Enforcement Clearance Now Required for Saudi Work Visa Applications in United States and Pakistan
Impact High
Additional Law Enforcement Clearance Now Required for Saudi Work Visa Applications in United States & Pakistan
Summary
Saudi consular posts in the United States now require Saudi work visa applicants to submit an FBI criminal history report in addition to a U.S. police clearance report, effective immediately. Starting from December 1, 2023, the Saudi consular post in Islamabad, Pakistan, will also require a Pakistani police clearance report for Saudi work visa applications. These new requirements may cause delays in visa processing and affect start dates for affected applicants and potential employers.
The Detail
Saudi consular posts in the United States have introduced a new regulation regarding Saudi work visa applications. As of now, all applicants are required to submit an FBI criminal history report along with the previously required U.S. police clearance report. This requirement applies to applicants of all job titles and has been implemented with immediate effect. Previously, only a U.S. police clearance report was necessary for such applications.
Moreover, there will be a change in the visa application process at the Saudi consular post in Islamabad, Pakistan, starting from December 1, 2023. From that date onwards, applicants for Saudi work visas will also be required to provide a Pakistani police clearance report. It is important to note that currently, only the Saudi consular post in Karachi, Pakistan, necessitates the submission of such police clearance reports.
Due to these additional application requirements, individuals affected by these changes, as well as potential employers, should be prepared for possible delays in the visa processing timeline. These delays may impact the anticipated start dates for employment or other arrangements associated with the visa applications.
How we can help
We are closely monitoring these changes in Saudi Arabia, and can advise you with respect to the impact of those changes as well as conduct any assessments your business might need to comply with the new requirements.
For additional alerts, please visit www.vialtopartners.com/regional-alerts.
Contact us
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Anir Chatterji
EMEA Immigration Partner
anir.chatterji@vialto.com
Ali Ibrahim
Director, KSA and Bahrain Lead
ali.a.ibrahim@vialto.com
Ahmed Amer
Manager
ahmed.amer@vialto.com
Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com
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