Saudi Arabia Work Visa from Nepal: Complete Process & Documents 2026

Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest destinations for Nepali workers in the Gulf. Vision 2030 mega-projects (NEOM, Red Sea, Diriyah, Qiddiya) are driving sustained demand across skilled trades, construction, hospitality and services. This guide covers the Saudi work visa process from a Nepali worker's perspective.

Why Saudi Arabia matters now

Three trends:

• Vision 2030 spending: NEOM, Red Sea Project, Diriyah and Qiddiya are committed mega-projects creating long construction timelines.
• Labour reforms (2021): the Labour Reform Initiative allows employer transfer under set conditions (for example a period of service and notice), easing older sponsorship restrictions. Check the current rules before relying on this.
• Wage Protection System (Mudad): mandatory bank-transfer salary payment, monitored by the Ministry of Human Resources. Reduces salary-withholding risk.

Sectors hiring Nepali workers

Construction & infrastructure

The largest category by volume. NEOM in Tabuk province is a long-term mega-project requiring a very large workforce. Mason, formwork, scaffolding, finishing, site labour. Typical salary: NPR 50,000–110,000/month with free accommodation, food and transport.

Hospitality

Riyadh, Jeddah and Red Sea coastal resorts. Waiter, housekeeping, kitchen helper, room attendant. Typical salary: NPR 55,000–130,000/month.

Skilled trades (welder, electrician, plumber, AC technician)

Highest-paying segment. Pipeline contractors and infrastructure mega-projects can pay 6G welders in the range of NPR 180,000–260,000/month. AC technicians and HVAC specialists in similar range.

Driving

Heavy and light vehicle drivers across Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam. Typical salary: NPR 60,000–130,000/month with free accommodation.

Healthcare

Nurses and paramedical staff for Vision 2030 hospital network. Requires NMC registration and Saudi Health Authority (SCFHS) verification. Higher entry barrier but salary NPR 180,000–350,000/month.

The Iqama Work Visa process

Saudi work visas are issued under the "Iqama" system: a combined work permit and residency permit. The process from Nepal:

1. Employer in Saudi obtains a Block Visa from the Ministry of Human Resources, authorising the recruitment of foreign workers.
2. Demand letter is issued and attested through the Saudi diplomatic mission and by MoFA Nepal. Your agency tells you which office handles this at the time you apply.
3. DOFE pre-approval is filed in Nepal, typically 5–10 working days.
4. Vacancy is announced and the agency screens candidates.
5. Selected candidates complete GAMCA medical, document attestation, biometric fingerprint enrolment (at the visa application centre named for your application).
6. Visa stamping through the Saudi visa process.
7. Pre-Departure Orientation, labour permit, flight.
8. On arrival in Saudi: employer registers worker for the Iqama (residency card), issued within 90 days.

Documents you'll need

• Passport (24+ months remaining validity)
• Citizenship certificate
• Passport-size photos (white background)
• CV (English)
• Academic certificates (with MoFA + Saudi embassy attestation)
• Trade certificates (CTEVT) for skilled trades
• Police clearance certificate (issued within 3 months)
• GAMCA medical fitness certificate
• Biometric fingerprint enrolment
• DOFE labour permit and welfare-fund receipt
• Signed employment contract

Indicative salary ranges in Saudi (NPR/month)

Note: these are rough ranges, not offers for any vacancy. Many blue-collar contracts include accommodation, food allowance and transport. Whatever the employer promises must be written in your contract.

Worker rights and protections

• Wage Protection System (Mudad) mandatory bank transfer.
• 2021 reforms: employer transfer allowed under set conditions.
• End-of-service gratuity: 21 days base salary per year for first 5 years, 30 days/year thereafter.
• Annual leave: 21 days after first year of service.
• Overtime: 50% premium past 8 hours/day.
• Ramadan: 6-hour work day for Muslim workers.

How Power Support helps with the paperwork

For Saudi placements, Power Support supports workers with:

• Checking documents and getting them ready for attestation.
• Visa processing support, from medical and fingerprint steps to visa stamping.
• The DOFE process: labour permit, welfare-fund contribution and filing.
• Pre-departure orientation guidance before you fly.

To start, send your CV or see our Saudi Arabia page. You can also contact the office in Sinamangal, Kathmandu.