Published June 8, 2026 · by Hijrat — visa consultants, Islamabad & Rawalpindi
Saudi Arabia remains the top destination for Pakistani workers, and the 2026 process is more digital — and more documented — than ever. Here is the realistic picture.
It starts with a confirmed job offer from a Saudi employer processed through Qiwa, followed by MOFA approval. On your side in Pakistan: degree and document attestation (HEC → MOFA → Saudi Cultural Mission for degree holders), a GAMCA medical exam, police character certificate, and biometrics at Tasheer centres. Most approvals now carry QR verification.
From gathering documents to flying out, plan for 4 to 10 weeks. Note: applications from Pakistan often face holds or delays during the Hajj season (May–June) — files moving in that window need extra lead time.
The government visa fee itself is only about SAR 200 (PKR 15,000–18,000). The realistic all-in cost — GAMCA medical, attestations, recruitment fees and travel — typically runs PKR 150,000–300,000. Anyone quoting far outside that range deserves scrutiny.
A "free Saudi work visa" does not mean a visa without a job. It means the employer covers recruitment and permit costs. Offers of free visas with no employer, no contract and upfront cash demands are the classic overseas-employment scam in Pakistan — verify the employer and demand the Qiwa contract.
We handle the Pakistan-side chain — attestation, GAMCA scheduling, biometrics, Protector — and verify the Saudi side before you pay anything. See attestation services or WhatsApp us your offer letter for a free check.
Hijrat handles this end-to-end from Islamabad — serving Rawalpindi and overseas Pakistanis too. Fees always itemised before you pay.
Visa rules change frequently. This article reflects information available on the date of publication — always confirm current requirements with Hijrat or official sources before applying.