The journey from Chennai to Riyadh began not with plane tickets, but with a WhatsApp message on March 4th. “This is Sahil (name redacted for privacy) from XYZ Enterprises, Mumbai,” the message read. “We have received your contact number from Employer (my employer name)/visa sponsor Consultancy Name Co., KSA, regarding your medical and visa process.”
And just like that, my Saudi relocation adventure began.
Passport Renewal
The first challenge arrived immediately - my passport was in renewal. “My passport renewal is in progress,” I replied. “I am expecting it in my hand this week. In sha Allah!”
This became the recurring theme of the first few days - waiting. Waiting for the passport, waiting for instructions, waiting for clarity. But what impressed me was the systematic approach of the recruitment agency. They knew exactly what they needed: the signed offer letter, soft copies of passport and educational certificates. All through WhatsApp messages. For someone like me, ditched WhatsApp before Covid forced me again to be on WhatsApp for exact reason that most part of the world still work with WhatsApp :D.
“Please route this entire process over email please, instead of WhatsApp,” I requested. “So it’s easy to track.” This simple preference shifted the entire communication to a more professional channel for a short period (my bubble reputation), making it easier to track the progress of what would become a month-long journey.
Old vs. New Passport
As days passed, an interesting challenge emerged. The temporary visa details were being processed, but my passport was still being renewed. This created a critical question: would the temporary visa be issued with my old passport number, or would we wait for the new one?
The agency’s response was direct: “Temporary Visa will not issue upon your passport.” This was a learning moment for me - work visas operate differently from the tourist or Umrah visas I’d experienced before.
“If I get temporary visa with old passport number, is it possible to change it after new passport received?” I asked.
“No,” came the reply.
“So better to wait,” I concluded. This decision to wait for the new passport rather than proceed with the old one would prove crucial, avoiding what could have been a bureaucratic nightmare later.
Understanding the Process
On March 7th, the agency provided clarity on what lay ahead:
“Timeline for Visa Stamping (after receiving the visa):
- GAMCA Medical: 2–3 days
- Biometric Verification: 1 day
- Degree Attestation / Apostille (India): 7–10 working days
- QVP Process: 15–20 days
Once all the above procedures are completed, visa stamping will take approximately 7 days.”
This was invaluable information. Suddenly, what seemed like an endless waiting game had structure. I understood that this wasn’t just about getting a visa - it was about navigating multiple sequential steps, each with its own timeline and requirements.
GAMCA and Beyond
March 16th brought good news: “My passport printed and I may receive it tomorrow.” The next step was medical examination.
“Please schedule for 26 March,” I requested. “The same Chennai clinic where one of my colleague visited. That is nearby to my house too.”
But the reality of the system hit me: “Medical center will assign randomly in Chennai.” This was another lesson in the Saudi relocation process - you don’t always get to choose your service providers.
The medical process itself was straightforward but thorough. I arrived at the clinic on March 26th, went through the examinations, and waited for the results. “Today evening result will come,” I informed the agency.
The next day brought relief: “Medical Fit.” But this was just another milestone in the journey.
Attestation and Apostille
While the medical was being processed, another crucial element was underway: degree attestation. My degree was already UAE-attested, but for Saudi work, it needed additional processing.
The process required careful coordination. The agency handled the apostille process, charging 2500 INR for the service. What impressed me was their systematic approach - they collected all necessary documents, handled the attestation, and kept me informed at each step. (I relaized just before two days before my flight that this attestation/apostile only useful for entry visa. I will write a detailed article/blog on it soon).
I have courierd my original Degree certificate to Sahil while my passport was on renewal for apostille.
Biometrics and MOFA
With medical clearance and degree attestation complete, the next steps were biometric verification and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) number generation.
“Please carry your original passport along with two printed copies of the MOFA and biometric pages,” the instructions read. “Ensure that you reach the biometric center at the time mentioned on the appointment slip. The MOFA number is listed under the application number. Also, please carry the exact cash amount as mentioned on the biometric page.” They are nothing but the MOFA paper and biometric appoitment slip I received from Sahil.
On March 30th, both steps were completed: “Biometric done” at the VFS Centre and “Medical Report collected” from the clinic. But the journey wasn’t quite over yet.
QVP Processing
The final piece was the QVP (Qualification Verification Program) - the most time-consuming part of the entire process.
“QVP?” the agency would ask periodically.
“Still in progress,” I’d reply.
This period tested patience more than any other. While other steps had defined timelines, QVP seemed to operate on its own schedule. But the agency remained diligent, checking in regularly and providing updates.
On April 4th, the breakthrough: Sahil asked if QVP was ready, he would proceed with the visa process on Monday. QVP was still pending, but the end was in sight. On same day April 4th late in the night my QVP was qualified. But the process can’t proceed on Monday, because the paperworks for next week was already completed by Sahil. So I have to wait for one week, that is next Monday, April 13th.
Visa Stamping
The agency had all the documents needed:
- Passport
- GAMCA Medical
- VFS Biometric Slip
- 6 Photos (which I shared for the MOFA)
- Degree Certificate
“All the original documents required” the message emphasized on April 7th. I have couried the documents except the Degree Certificate because it is already with Sahil that I sent for attestation.
The final step was visa stamping. On April 13th: “UNDER PROCESS” was the status received from Sahil. On same day, the journey had reached its conclusion: Sahil shared a WhatsApp “VISA COPY” - the coveted document that would make my relocation to Riyadh official.
Preparing for the Journey
With the visa approved, the focus shifted from paperwork to practical preparations. The visa copy meant I could now book my flight and start planning my relocation to Saudi Arabia. This was a different kind of preparation - not bureaucratic, but logistical.
I had to arrange several key aspects of my move:
- Flight booking: Finding the best route from Chennai to Riyadh, considering timing and budget
- Accommodation: Initial arrangements for temporary housing upon arrival
- Documentation: Ensuring all original documents were properly organized for the journey
- Financial planning: Managing finances during the transition period
- Family arrangements: Coordinating with family about the relocation timeline
This phase was exciting but also stressful - the reality of moving to a new country was finally setting in, and there were countless details to manage.
A new beginning
The day finally came when I boarded the flight to Riyadh. Landing in Saudi Arabia felt surreal after months of preparation. The immigration process was smooth - having all documents in order made the transition much easier than expected.
Riyadh greeted me with its characteristic blend of traditional and modern. The city was alive with energy, and I could already sense the opportunities that awaited.
The cultural differences were immediately apparent, but I was prepared for this transition. The warmth of Saudi hospitality helped ease the initial culture shock, and I was excited to start this new chapter.
Onboarding at my company
The first day in Riyadh was dedicated to company onboarding. The process was comprehensive and well-structured, designed to help new and transitioning employees integrate smoothly into the organization and the Saudi work environment.
The onboarding included: (mostly self-read documents and bit of intrest to read about the local laws and regulations)
- HR formalities: Completing employment contracts, how to set up bank accounts after Iqama, and processing iqama (residency permit) applications
- Company orientation: Learning about the organizational structure, company culture, and policies
- System access: Setting up corporate email, IT systems, and security protocols (this was smooth because I transition to Saudi entity from India)
- Team integration: Meeting colleagues and understanding team dynamics
- Local regulations: Briefing on Saudi labor laws and workplace expectations
The company’s onboarding process was impressive in its thoroughness. They had dedicated staff to assist with relocation matters, making the transition much smoother than I had anticipated. What looks like smooth on first day at office turns a bit of nightmare after three weeks. I realized, I was not full into the system. I have todo multiple follow-up with HR to onboard me into the system digitally. I managed to get it done after one month (Eid Holidays included) I landed into Riyadh.
The initial days were a whirlwind of settling in - finding temporary accommodation, getting oriented with the local area, and adjusting to the new environment.
Reflections on the Process
This month-long journey taught me several important lessons about the Saudi relocation process:
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Patience is essential: The Saudi bureaucratic system operates on its own timeline, and rushing rarely helps.
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Documentation is everything: Every document must be in order, and attestation requirements are specific and strict.
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Professional communication matters: Insisting on email communication rather than WhatsApp helped maintain clarity and documentation. (I was not welcomed to use email, so I start to write this blog slowly to docuemnt the journey)
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Passport consistency is crucial: Getting the visa on the right passport from the beginning prevents complications later.
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Trust your agency: While it’s important to stay informed, the agency’s expertise in navigating the system is invaluable.
The journey from Chennai to Riyadh was more than just paperwork - it was a lesson in patience, preparation, and persistence. And as I prepare to embark on this new chapter in Saudi Arabia, I’m grateful for the systematic approach that made what could have been overwhelming, manageable.
The attestation/apostile for Engineering Degree for registering with Saudi Council of Engineering and issue Iqama is different topic, I will surely write about it. Stay tuned!