Introduction
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Egyptian women traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for work, particularly in light of the clear facilitation of procedures when the required documents are properly and officially prepared.
This guide aims to clarify everything an Egyptian woman holding a Saudi work visa needs to know, and to answer the most common questions regarding eligibility to travel, changing one’s profession, and the required documents, step by step.
First: Can Egyptian women travel to Saudi Arabia on a work visa?
Yes, Egyptian women are permitted to travel to Saudi Arabia on a work visa, provided that all legal requirements are met. The most important of these is the availability of an official employment contract that is duly authenticated and approved by the competent authorities.
Second: The most important documents required before starting the procedures
The most essential document for any travel procedure is:
- An original employment contract authenticated by:
- The Saudi Chamber of Commerce
- The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
⚠️ Important note:
Authentication of the contract by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an indispensable requirement, as the contract must then be submitted to the Egyptian Ministry of Manpower for official approval.
Third: Authentication of the employment contract in Egypt
After receiving the employment contract authenticated in Saudi Arabia, the following steps are taken:
- Submitting the contract to the Egyptian Ministry of Manpower for approval
- Obtaining a security clearance after approval
- Issuing an official travel permit for women
❗ The Ministry of Manpower does not approve any contract that is not authenticated by the official Saudi authorities.
Fourth: Changing the profession for women holding a work visa
If a woman holds a work visa and needs to change the profession stated on her national ID card, the following steps must be followed:
- Authentication of the employment contract by the Ministry of Manpower
- Certification of the contract by:
- The Saudi Consulate
- The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Visiting the Security Complex in Nasr City with the following documents:
- Original contract + two copies
- Two copies of the passport
- Two copies of the national ID card
- Personal photographs with a white background
- A notarized parental/guardian consent declaration approving travel (two copies)
After that, the following document is issued:
- A work permit authorization for employment with foreign entities (outside Egypt)
Fifth: Amending the profession on the national ID card and passport
After obtaining the work permit authorization:
- Visit the Civil Registry (Civil Status Authority) in Abbassia
- Amend the profession on the national ID card in accordance with the visa
- Issue a passport reflecting the correct profession
Sixth: Documents required to obtain a work visa
After preparing the passport, the following documents are required:
- Criminal record certificate directed for travel to Saudi Arabia
- Passport showing the amended profession
- Employment contract
- Notarized parental/guardian consent for travel
- A notarized declaration from the traveler confirming that she is the holder of the visa
- Professional accreditation or certification (depending on the required profession)
Seventh: Final procedures
- Medical examination at approved medical centers
- Booking and completing biometric registration
- Submitting the passport to the Saudi Consulate
After the visa is issued:
- Registering the visa with the Ministry of Manpower
- Obtaining the travel permit from Abbassia
Travel permit fees:
Approximately 500 Egyptian pounds
🕒 Validity period:
One year or more, depending on the case
Eighth: Permitted and prohibited professions for Egyptian women
Not all professions are permitted for Egyptian women.
❌ Prohibited professions:
- Domestic worker
- Home nurse
- Household assistant
These restrictions are in place to safeguard the security and safety of Egyptian women.
Legal age for travel:
- From 21 years
- Up to under 60 years of age
