Is MOFA Approval Needed for Family Visa if Employed by a Ministry in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, even ministry employees in Saudi Arabia must obtain MOFA approval to sponsor family members.
1. Do Government Employees Need MOFA Approval for Family Visas?
✅ Yes — MOFA approval is mandatory for all sponsor types, including:
- Ministry of Health (MOH) employees
- Ministry of Education (MOE) teachers
- Military personnel
- Other government staff
2. Why Is MOFA Involved in Family Visa Applications?
MOFA verifies and processes:
- Sponsorship eligibility
- Relationship proof (birth/marriage certificates)
- Attestation of foreign documents
- Visa issuance for dependents
3. What Documents Must Ministry Employees Submit to MOFA?
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Employment verification letter | Must be stamped by the ministry |
| Iqama copy | Must be valid and clear |
| Passport copies (family) | Required for all dependents |
| Attested marriage certificate | Must be MOFA-attested |
| Salary certificate | Optional but helps eligibility |
4. Does MOFA Treat Ministry Staff Applications Differently?
- Ministry staff may have streamlined verification via internal systems
- But MOFA still requires formal application and attestation
