Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest employers of skilled Indians — engineers, nurses, technicians, drivers, accountants and more. Every month, candidates from Trichy, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai and across Tamil Nadu ask us the same question: what exactly do I need to do to get a Saudi work visa?
Here is the process, step by step, in plain language.
Step 1: Get a genuine job offer
You cannot apply for a Saudi work visa on your own. A Saudi employer must hire you first and apply for your visa.
- You receive an offer letter, followed by a signed employment contract (usually for 2 years).
- Check the job title, salary, working hours, food, accommodation and air ticket terms before you sign.
- Ask for the contract in both Arabic and English, and make sure both say the same thing.
Important: Only a proper employment visa allows you to work in Saudi Arabia. Visit visas, family visas and Umrah visas do not. There is no such thing as a "free visa" — if someone offers one, walk away.
Step 2: Your employer applies for the visa
Once you accept, the employer gets the visa approval from the Saudi authorities for your profession. You will receive a visa number and the employer's authorisation, which your recruiter uses for the next steps.
Check that the profession and employer name on the visa match your contract. If you can't read Arabic, ask your recruiter or the Indian Embassy to confirm.
Step 3: Pass the medical test (Wafid / GAMCA)
All Gulf-bound workers must clear a pre-employment medical test at a Wafid (formerly GAMCA) approved medical centre.
- Book your appointment online through the Wafid system.
- The test covers a general check-up, blood tests and a chest X-ray.
- The medical report is valid for a limited time (usually about 3 months), so take it only when your visa process is moving. An expired medical is one of the most common reasons for delay.
- Approved centres are in major cities — for Trichy candidates, Chennai is the usual choice.
Saudi Arabia does a second medical check after you arrive, so only travel if you are fully fit.
Step 4: Skill Verification Test (for technical trades)
If you are applying for a technical or skilled trade — for example plumber, pipe fitter, welder, building electrician, auto electrician or HVAC technician — you may need to pass the Saudi Skill Verification Program (SVP) test.
- It is a theory and practical test of your trade.
- Tests are held at accredited centres in India, run with NSDC.
- Your recruiter will tell you if your profession needs it and help you book it.
Engineers, nurses and other licensed professionals usually go through their own professional accreditation instead.
Step 5: Prepare your documents
Keep these ready early — most delays come from missing papers.
- Passport — valid for at least 6 months, ideally more, with blank pages
- Passport-size photos with white background
- Educational certificates — attested for Saudi use (the exact attestation or apostille route depends on your job; we will guide you)
- Experience certificates from previous employers
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) — apply through Passport Seva; Trichy candidates can use the Tiruchirappalli Passport Office
- Medical report from Step 3
- Signed employment contract
Step 6: Emigration clearance (ECR passport holders)
Check the first page of your passport.
- If it says "ECR" (Emigration Check Required), you need emigration clearance before you fly. This is done online through the Government of India's eMigrate portal by the recruiting agent or employer.
- If your passport is ECNR, this step is not needed.
Step 7: Visa stamping and biometrics
Your documents are submitted for visa stamping. You will need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) in person at an authorised Saudi visa centre (VFS Tasheer). For Trichy candidates, the nearest centre is usually in Chennai.
Stamping normally takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on your documents and the embassy workload.
Step 8: Fly and get your Iqama
Once your passport is stamped:
- Your employer books your ticket (in most jobs, the employer pays).
- After you land, your employer completes your second medical and gets your Iqama (residence permit).
- Keep your contract and visa copies safe, and do not hand over your passport to anyone — Saudi rules do not allow employers to keep it.
How long does the whole process take?
From job offer to flight, most candidates take 6 to 12 weeks. Having your passport, certificates and police clearance ready before you get an offer can save you several weeks.
Quick checklist
- ☐ Passport valid for 6+ months
- ☐ Offer letter and signed contract (Arabic + English)
- ☐ Wafid medical — fit
- ☐ Skill test (if your trade needs it)
- ☐ Certificates attested
- ☐ Police clearance
- ☐ Emigration clearance (if ECR)
- ☐ Biometrics and visa stamping done
Looking for a job in Saudi Arabia?
Sisco Jobs has helped candidates from Trichy and across Tamil Nadu build careers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Singapore and Malaysia for over 15 years.
- See current Saudi openings: Browse live jobs in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and more on our Gulf jobs page.
- Talk to us on WhatsApp:+91 97868 88866
- Visit us: D9, NBA Tower, 3rd Floor, Thillai Nagar 11th C Cross, Trichy
Visa rules change from time to time. This guide is for general information only — always confirm the latest requirements with your employer, the Saudi Embassy or the Indian Embassy in Riyadh before you travel.
