Job Discussion Forums

ohwell · Joined: 25 Feb 2012 Posts: 14

so I am in the middle of the visa process and now have the following problem: my visa is going through one European country (and the letter for the visa was issued to the saudi embassy in that country) but my certificates are from the UK. I have been told that I need to legalise my certificates with the UK foreign office (no problem) and that I need to get them stamped by the Saudi embassy in London - and this is the problem, as they apparently need another letter to the Cultural Attache. ultimately, this is the letter that was already issued to the embassy in my home country, so I don't see how this should work out.

anyone have any previous experience with this situation? did you really need the second letter to the second embassy? I am going nuts because to make matters worse, I am neither in UK nor home but in another country in the Middle East....

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Yes, the process can make you "go nuts' which is why it's best to be in your home country for visa processing. And sometimes, nothing seems logical or reasonable but... Anyway, I have no answer for you except that you'll have to do or provide whatever it is they claim they need if you want your paperwork completed. Good luck.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

Complicated situation! I supose your only option is to have the documents sent by a registered courier service. Best to contact the Embassy by email or call first to verify if you can send what ever to be stamped / signed...

You also may need to get a perscription for some valium Laughing

to help ease the stress.

posh · Joined: 22 Oct 2010 Posts: 430

Try this company: http://www.ablecan.co.uk/index.php

It's run by an anglicised Saudi who really knows the ropes and has plenty of wasta at the London embassy. An extra benefit is that his daughter sometimes works in the office and she's hot.

They attestated my certificates very well and have heard that they get hold of visas with little hassle. Cool guy actually; looks as though he enjoys a beer.

Re. certficates: whatever anyone says, DO NOT send originals of anything.

Richard62 · Joined: 08 Aug 2011 Posts: 38

I have the same problem. I am applying for visa in one of the European countries, and I need to get my CELTA and MA legalized in the UK, as that's where I obtained the degrees. (I am not a UK citizen though). I sent my original certificates (yes, you need that for the FCO) to an agency in London, and they got it stamped by the relevant authorities, but the Saudi Cultural Mission refused to stamp it saying that I need a letter addressed to them by my employer. I informed my employer, a government university, that I need such a letter...It has been a bit more than 3 months, and I am still waiting...They told me to wait to get the visa letter first. I am waiting for that as well.

ohwell · Joined: 25 Feb 2012 Posts: 14

thanks everyone for their feedback -

Posh - thanks for the suggestion of agency - looks like I am gonna have to go for this.

richard62 - can't believe I found someone in an equally difficult situation - I have the visa letter for the Saudi embassy at home but I don't have a letter now addressed to the Saudi cultural mission in UK. I hope this agency can help me.... as for the FOC - no, I copies certified by the British embassy where I am right now and that is also fine as per FOC website.

so I've got to run after my future employer I guess....