Bringing dependent parent into Saudi Arabia

I started this blog just as a hobby. However, at one point of time, work pressure and time constraints led me to stop writing. I have since been inundated with requests to keep blogging, which just proves how much scarce information is for potential expatriates planning to work in Saudi Arabia 8- So, I have decided to start writing again , although I would use discretion in answering questions from people.
One of the most popular posts in this blog seems to be that of bringing family on a visit visa to Saudi Arabia. I have been getting queries from people, particularly those planning to work in Saudi Arabia, whether it was possible to bring their dependent parents permanently to the kingdom. Answering this question could be quite tricky

First of all, you need to convince your own sponsor that your parent(s) are completely dependent on you and that you would like to bring them at your cost into the kingdom on a permanent visa. The problem is that there is an unwritten rule which defines "family" as simply one's wife / husband and children. This definition does not include brother / sister / parents even though they may be your blood relatives
Once your sponsor has no objection to bringing your dependent parent, it would have to follow the same route as how your spouse / children are brought into KSA normally.
Whether the application would be approved or not is a big question, and it all depends on the mood of the officer who is approving the visa. The likelihood of bringing your parents permanently, if at all, is more bright to bring one's mother rather than father on a permanent visa. The logic (?) behind this is that there is a strong suspicion that the dependent father may start working illegally! True, this logic may sound as absolute rubbish, but that's how the system is . As for bringing your dependent brother or sister, you can simply forget it.
Of course, it is much easier to bring one's parents on a visit visa. The procedure has been covered here earlier .
What I would advise the potential expatriate thinking of working in Saudi Arabia is to take into consideration all the above, before planning to relocate into the kingdom. Hope this post has been of some help to you.