Job Discussion Forums

drlubanski · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 32

can you go straight from one job in saudi (completed contract) to another without leaving the country?

this has been suggested to me by a prospective employer. i doubt my current employer would allow me to do it even if it was legally possible.

is it legal? common?

or do you have to leave saudi and do all the new visa processing outside?

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

It can be done, but requires the agreement of both sides,; it is not supposed to be too difficult if its government to government, but I don't know about the other possibilities

Incidentally, did you choose to leave or did your employer decline to renew your contract. If you fulfilled your contract and were offered renewal but declined, then your employer can prevent you working for anybody else for a year. If he declined to renew you, then he may have the right to prevent you working for six months.

There are two additional problems. The embassy's appear to ask for an NOC (No Objection Certificate) if you left employment in Saudi less than two years ago, even though that two year figure doesn't seem to relate to any period mentioned in the labour laws (which periods are six months, one year and three years). And your employer has no requirement to issue you with an NOC.

Much will depend on the attitude of your new employer and the amount of wasta they have.

drlubanski · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 32

Stephen,

I've just informed my current employer of my intention not to renew. I'm leaving on good terms.

The NOC....what do you mean "appear" to ask for one? they demand it don't they?

I hope my new employer has a good attitude and wasta. I'll find out soon enough.

How about going to Bahrain and doing the processing there instead of Australia? Do you think there's any advantage in that? it'd be to my advantage to get it done quick and be back asap. i get the feeling i'll be left in limbo waiting for the paperwork to come thru if i do it in Oz.

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

I have changed sponsors twice and it was a big hassle both times.

Of course anything is possible but usually you will have to go home and do the blood tests and police report plus get a new passport just to be on the safe side.

It took me about three weeks both times i did it BUT i had someone who specialised in saudi recruitment and had contacts at the embassy.