Saudi Embassy requiring business registration, attestation

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Saudi Arabian Embassy in London has begun imposing new prerequisites on U.K. employers applying for Commercial Visit and Work Visit Visas.

What does the change mean? All business support letters must be attested by the London Chamber of Commerce. Employers must first register with the Chamber and then obtain an attestation from it before applying for Commercial Visit and Work Visit Visas. In order to register, the employer company needs to submit a Formal Undertaking form listing all the company’s authorized signatories along with samples of their signatures. Please note: The business support letters can only be signed by those listed as signatories on the Formal Undertaking form.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: Commercial Visit and Work Visit Visas.
• Who is affected: U.K. companies applying for Saudi Commercial Visit and Work Visit Visas in London.
• Impact on processing times: The registration and the attestation can be done on the same day.
• Next steps: Companies that are not already registered with the London Chamber of Commerce should factor in additional time to do so. All employers applying for Commercial Visit and Work Visit Visas in London must obtain the Chamber’s attestation on the employer’s letter of support. BAL can assist with both processes.

Background: The Saudi Embassy in London has instituted several changes to all applications in recent months following a change in consular staff.

BAL Analysis: U.K. employers applying for Saudi Commercial Visit and Work Visit Visas in London should factor in the additional steps and anticipate longer timelines in light of the new requirements.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.

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