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Hi Maliha,
I guess most of the employers in KSA doesn't like to give chances to those that are on dependent visas in professional fields. It would have been easier if it was a labour work which is what KSA is a hot destination for. If you are a dependent of parents, I think it will be even more tricky but if you are dependent of a spouse then you may try your luck at some other employers that might be willing to give you the offer letter. However, did you try explaining to them that it's making this a what came first, a chicken or an egg problem for you? If they still don't budge, then I sincerely recommend you don't waste your time and energy and don't get fooled by agents here in Pakistan that will claim that they can get your degrees attested. The embassy simply won't do it without a job offer. In that case, you can try to find other opportunities.

I will try to talk sense into their heads but by the looks of it nothing seems promising, do you in any way know that is it illegal for the potential employer to issue an offer letter to some one having residential status of dependant ? or they do it just to save themselves the trouble and hustle ?

Hello again Maleeha!
Well, since you ask, it's gonna be lengthy but bear with me. First, keep in mind that:
1. Individual cases may differ however, it's unlikely.
2. Take information that I present here with a grain of salt i.e. you may still seek advise else where.

Now, as a general rule, Yes, it's illegal to work in KSA without a proper work Visa and you can't get a work Visa without a sponsor (Kafeel). With that being said, Yes it's illegal for them to give you an offer letter if they are not willing to sponsor you.

The Saudi government has made it very complex for the companies with the introduction of Saudization rules also known as the "Nitaqat". Under the law, Saudi employers are now required to have a certain percentage of Saudi nationals as employees. If this specific employer of yours has a total of 9 or less employees, including after you are inducted, then they are exempt. However, this exemption doesn't mean you don't need a work visa, you still do, it's just less hassle for them.

You have 2 options, well 3 but 3rd is not really an option which I will explain.

1. Exit Saudi and go back on a work Visa. Of course this means you need to discuss the matter with this or other potential employers and they should be willing to sponsor you and bring you back.

2. Transfer your Iqama, i.e. from being a dependent to a work status. This is again something only your employer can do. Your potential employer will have to initiate the request with the ministry of labour and your current sponsor, Husband, Father etc, will have to give their consent known as the no objection certificate, as well. This process will probably take around a month and the costs are around 8000 SAR that your employer must pay to the ministry.

3. Work illegally on low wages and risk heavy fines including the deportation of both, you and your current family sponsor. This is highly risky these days and I would highly advise against it.

I will conclude by saying that the final way of escaping all of the hassle above, which was introduced in 2019, is to buy the Premium Iqama, which also serves as permanent residency. The cost is heavy, 800,000 SAR at once that you will have to invest in Saudi or 100,000 SAR annually and your premium iqama will be renewed each year. There's no limit in my knowledge with the annual option and thr money will have to paid as renewal fees each year.

Now you should be able to discuss point 1 or 2 above with this or other potential employers regarding your sponsorship. Let me know if you need further information. I will definitely help if I have any knowledge about it.

Wish you all the best!

Thank you so much for the detailed analysis, you took time out to answer me broadly i really appreciate it.

I am trying to convince my expected employer to ease out the situation here by offering me the required documents, if things go my way i will be very lucky but if not,i guess thats what fate has in store for me for now.

(screaming my guts out)(but acting as if its all okay)lol.

You are very welcome! Really glad I could help.

"Indeed it's hard to let go. Very."

Just something that crossed my mind, since the sponsorship fees are to be paid by the employers, if you find someone that says they will sponsor you but you wil actually have to pay them the amount in advance, NEVER EVER DO THAT. Legitimate employers will never ask you to actually pay and they just do the paperwork for you. Stay aware. Stay safe.