SAUDI ARABIA FROM BANGLADESH : DOCUMENTS, CONSULTANT & FEES

Types of Saudi Arabia Visas for Bangladeshi Citizens

  1. Hajj Visa:

    • Purpose: For Muslims traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
    • Eligibility: Only for Bangladeshi nationals intending to perform Hajj during the Hajj season.
    • Processing Authority: The Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bangladesh and the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka.

  2. Work Visa:

    • Purpose: For individuals planning to work in Saudi Arabia. Most of the workers from Bangladesh travel to Saudi Arabia for employment purposes.
    • Eligibility: Requires a job offer or employment contract from a Saudi employer.
    • Processing Authority: Saudi Embassy in Dhaka and relevant Saudi government agencies.

  3. Tourist Visa (if applicable in future):

    • Purpose: For tourism purposes (Saudi Arabia has recently started allowing tourism visas for select nationalities).
    • Eligibility: To explore the country for leisure, cultural experiences, and historical sites.

Saudi Arabia Visa from Bangladesh: Documents, Consultants & Fees

Saudi Arabia is a popular destination for Bangladeshis, especially for Hajj pilgrimage and work opportunities. Whether you’re planning to go for religious purposes, employment, or any other reason, the visa process for Saudi Arabia from Bangladesh is structured and must be followed carefully. Below is a detailed guide on the necessary documents, the role of consultants, and the applicable fees.

Consultants and Agencies for Saudi Arabia Visas

Visa processing for Saudi Arabia is a detailed process, and many people choose to work with authorized consultants or visa agencies to ensure the smooth submission of their applications.

  • Hajj Consultants: These agencies will help you with all the procedures for Hajj registration, medical checks, vaccination, and travel arrangements. They are authorized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bangladesh to assist in Hajj pilgrimage matters.

  • Work Visa Consultants: These agencies provide services for individuals who have a job offer in Saudi Arabia and need assistance with the visa application, including securing a work permit and medical checks.

Top Consultants for Saudi Arabia Visa from Bangladesh:

  • Hajj Agencies: Check with the Bangladesh Hajj Agency Association for a list of authorized agencies.
  • Visa Consultants: Agencies like Biman Travels, Vision Travels, and Kazi Travels are popular choices for work visa processing.

Important Tip: Always ensure the consultant or agency is authorized by the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka to avoid fraudulent practices.

Visa Fees for Saudi Arabia from Bangladesh

The visa fees for Saudi Arabia vary depending on the type of visa, your nationality, and the agency handling your application. Below are the approximate fees for different types of visas.

1. Hajj Visa Fees:

  • Hajj Package Fee: This includes visa processing, travel, and accommodation. The fee for a Hajj package varies from BDT 4,00,000 to BDT 5,50,000 depending on the agency and services.
  • Visa Fee: Around BDT 10,000 to BDT 15,000 (included in the overall Hajj package).

2. Work Visa Fees:

  • Work Visa Fee: Approx. BDT 15,000 to BDT 20,000.
  • Medical Check-up Fee: Around BDT 3,000 to BDT 5,000 (required by Saudi authorities).
  • Police Clearance Fee: Approx. BDT 1,000 to BDT 2,000.
  • Agency Processing Fee: Varies depending on the consultant, generally BDT 5,000 to BDT 10,000.

3. Tourist Visa Fees (if applicable):

  • Tourist Visa Fee: Approx. BDT 10,000 to BDT 15,000 (subject to change).
  • Processing Fee: Additional charges may apply through travel agencies.

Visa Processing Time

  • Hajj Visa: Processing may take several weeks, and the Hajj visa is generally issued just before the pilgrimage season.
  • Work Visa: Processing typically takes 5-7 business days after submitting all necessary documents.
  • Tourist Visa: If available, processing time is around 7-10 business days.

Documents Required for Saudi Arabia Visa from Bangladesh

Hajj Visa Documents:

  • Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of arrival in Saudi Arabia.
  • Hajj Registration: Proof of registration with an authorized Hajj agency in Bangladesh.
  • Passport Photo: Two recent passport-sized photos with a white background.
  • Hajj Medical Certificate: Proof of medical fitness to travel and perform Hajj.
  • Vaccination Certificate: Proof of required vaccinations as per Saudi regulations, including the Meningococcal vaccine.
  • Return Flight Ticket: A copy of your confirmed return flight ticket.
  • Travel Insurance: Health insurance for the duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia.

2. Work Visa Documents:

  • Valid Passport: At least 6 months of validity with two blank pages.
  • Work Contract: A signed work contract from a Saudi employer, with details of the job, salary, and duration.
  • Work Permit: An official work permit or Iqama (residence permit) from the Saudi government.
  • Medical Certificate: Proof of good health from an approved medical institution in Bangladesh.
  • Police Clearance: A certificate verifying that you have no criminal record.
  • Educational and Professional Documents: Copies of your academic certificates, professional qualifications, and work experience (if applicable).
  • Passport Photo: Two recent passport-sized photographs.
  • Visa Application Form: Completed visa application form.

3. Tourist Visa Documents (if applicable):

  • Valid Passport: At least 6 months of validity.
  • Passport Photo: Two recent passport-sized photographs.
  • Travel Itinerary: Details of travel arrangements including hotel bookings and flight reservations.
  • Financial Proof: Bank statements, employment letters, or other evidence showing you have sufficient funds for your stay.
  • Return Ticket: Proof of return travel arrangements.
  • Visa Application Form: Completed tourist visa application form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What types of visas are available for Saudi Arabia from Bangladesh?

  • Hajj Visa: For performing the Hajj pilgrimage.
  • Work Visa: For employment in Saudi Arabia.
  • Tourist Visa: For tourism purposes (subject to availability).
  • Business Visa: For business-related travel.

2. How do I apply for a Hajj visa?

  • Hajj visas are handled through authorized Hajj agencies in Bangladesh. These agencies help you with the registration, health checks, travel arrangements, and visa processing. You will need to complete the Hajj registration process through the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bangladesh.

3. What are the documents required for a work visa for Saudi Arabia?

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
  • Signed work contract from a Saudi employer.
  • Work permit (Iqama) from Saudi authorities.
  • Medical certificate from an approved hospital.
  • Police clearance certificate.
  • Passport-sized photographs.
  • Completed visa application form.

4. How much does a Saudi Arabia work visa cost?

  • The visa fee for a Saudi work visa is approximately BDT 15,000 to BDT 20,000. Additional costs for medical check-ups, police clearance, and agency fees may also apply.

5. What are the medical requirements for a Saudi work visa?

  • You will need to undergo a medical examination at a recognized medical center approved by the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka. This typically includes a general health check-up, blood tests, and chest X-ray for diseases like tuberculosis.

6. Can I apply for a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia from Bangladesh?

  • Saudi Arabia has recently started offering tourist visas for select nationalities, though these may not be readily available for all travelers. It’s advisable to check with the Saudi Embassy or an authorized agency for the latest updates on tourist visa availability.

7. How long does it take to get a Saudi visa?

  • Hajj Visa: Processing time is typically several weeks, especially during the Hajj season.
  • Work Visa: It usually takes around 5-7 business days, provided all documents are in order.
  • Tourist Visa: If available, processing time is generally 7-10 business days.

8. What are the fees for a Hajj visa?

  • The total cost for the Hajj visa package generally ranges from BDT 4,00,000 to BDT 5,50,000, which includes the visa fee, travel expenses, accommodation, and other services.

9. Do I need to use a consultant for the Saudi visa process?

  • While it’s not mandatory, many applicants prefer using authorized consultants or visa agencies for smooth processing, especially for work and Hajj visas. These agencies assist with document preparation, visa submission, medical requirements, and other formalities.

10. Can I apply for a Saudi work visa without a job offer?

  • No, you must have a confirmed job offer from a Saudi employer to apply for a Saudi work visa. The employer in Saudi Arabia will provide you with the necessary documents, including the work contract and work permit.

11. What if my Saudi visa application is rejected?

  • If your visa application is rejected, you may be able to appeal or reapply. The reasons for rejection could range from incomplete documentation to security concerns. It is recommended to contact the Saudi Embassy or your visa consultant to understand the reason for the rejection and correct the issue before reapplying.

12. How do I get my Saudi visa processed if the embassy is in another country?

  • If you’re applying for a long-term visa, such as a work visa, and the Saudi embassy in Bangladesh cannot process it, you will need to apply at the Saudi Embassy in a neighboring country, such as India. The process will typically involve submitting your documents through the nearest Saudi consulate.

13. Is it mandatory to have travel insurance for a Saudi visa?

  • For Hajj visas, travel insurance is mandatory to cover any health-related issues during your pilgrimage. For work and tourist visas, travel insurance is recommended but may not always be compulsory.

14. Can I bring my family with me on a Saudi work visa?

  • Yes, under the Saudi family visa program, you can bring your spouse and children with you after securing your work visa. You will need to submit additional documents, such as marriage and birth certificates, to sponsor your family’s visa.

15. What is the validity of a Saudi work visa?

  • A Saudi work visa is typically valid for one to two years, depending on your contract and employment terms. After entering Saudi Arabia, you will receive an Iqama (residence permit), which must be renewed annually.