Why a Family Visa May Be Approved Without the Child in Saudi Arabia
Applying for a family visa in Saudi Arabia is a significant step for expatriates who wish to reunite with their loved ones. However, it’s not uncommon for applicants to find that the visa has been approved for the spouse but not for the child. This outcome can be confusing and emotionally stressful. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind this, supported by Saudi regulations and real-world processing scenarios.
1. Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Be Sponsored?
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sets specific eligibility conditions for family visa applications:
- The applicant must be employed in an approved profession.
- The salary threshold and job title must meet the MOFA criteria.
- Sponsorship is typically extended to a spouse and children under 18.
If the child doesn’t meet one of these eligibility criteria—such as being above the age limit or having missing documentation—the visa may be approved only for the spouse.
2. Common Reasons Why a Child May Be Excluded
a. Missing or Incomplete Documents
- Absence of the child’s birth certificate or passport copy
- Issues with attestation or translation of documents
b. Age Limitation
- MOFA policies often restrict sponsorship to children below 18 years
- If a child is over 18, they may need to apply for a separate visa, such as a student visa
c. Medical Fitness Report Issues
- Saudi visa processing includes a medical test requirement
- Any delay or issue in the child’s medical clearance can result in visa denial
d. Technical or Application Errors
- Some applications mistakenly exclude the child in the online form
- A separate visa request may need to be initiated
3. Understanding MOFA’s Decision Pathways
Saudi Arabia’s visa decisions are not only based on documentation but also:
- Query history (prior applications or rejections)
- Applicant’s profession and salary classification
- System checks and algorithmic flagging
Sometimes, MOFA’s system automatically filters out applicants based on these signals—resulting in an approval for the spouse but not for the child.
4. What Can You Do If Your Child’s Visa Is Not Approved?
✅ Step-by-Step Response Plan:
- Log in to the MOFA portal and review the status
- Check if the child’s name was included in the application
- Contact your HR or legal department to confirm employer sponsorship limitations
- Prepare separate documentation for a new child visa request
- Consider reapplying with complete documents and appropriate visa type
5. Tips for Future Applications
- Always include all family members at once in the application
- Verify all documents are translated and attested
- Understand visa requirements by checking latest MOFA updates
- Seek help from licensed visa consultants or expat community forums
Seek Clarity and Act Promptly
While it’s understandably distressing to receive a family visa approval without the child, it’s often due to administrative or eligibility reasons. Acting swiftly and understanding the underlying system mechanics can help you reapply correctly and bring your family together in Saudi Arabia.