Job Discussion Forums

baby steps · Joined: 14 Mar 2004 Posts: 6

I am considering applying for a position in Saudi and reviewed the medical report info on the Saudi's American Embassy webpage.

1. I noticed they test for hepatitis b - is testing positive for these antibodies grounds for denying someone a work visa?

2. also, i have a friend who is 68 and interested in applying. Is there a general maximum age for employees in the kingdom?

thanks.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

I would say you would get refused if you tested positive for anything on the medical. We had somebody who was refused for Canada, almost certainly because of hepatititis B. Once you are cured you can re-apply. No hard and fast rules howecer.

Government instituitions retire people at 60, so 58 is the normal maximum age for a first contract. Private Instituitons will take people older, though they are likely to be pretty dodgy.

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

If you have hep B antibodies then that is no problem as this means you have had the disease in the past and it has been resolved.

Obvioulsy if you are currently infected then you won't be going anywhere.

68 is too old for most govt jobs as 60 is the retiring age however anything is possible if they really need you.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Most places in the government sector retire you at age 60. This is sometimes interpreted as 60 by the Islamic calendar which is 58 years and a few months by the Gregorian calendar.

Others will let you stay on a year-by-year basis if you still have your faculties (or enough to function at work).

But most employers in the government sector wil not take you on much after the mid-fifties. In the private sector it is a different story but watch out for unpleasant employers.