Job Discussion Forums

[desert]

I was just offered a job by a recruitment agency that is scheduled to begin next month. Obviously that is not enough time to get a proper work visa, so I am wondering about the visit visa. From what I understand, I cannot open a bank account. So what does that mean? Do I have to keep all of the money in cash? I am wondering if I can at least transfer the money back to my bank account back home. It wouldn't be so bad then.

What else can't I do with that visa?

I've read a lot of negatives about living in Saudi, but I don't think the culture will be that negative for me. I have lived in Yemen and Jordan, I don't drink alcohol, and I can speak Arabic, so I think that will make things easier. It is just the visit visa that concerns me.

[cmp45]

Technically visit visas are actually business visas for conducting business. You are not suposed to work in KSA on a visit (business) visa. They entice you on a business visa because it is faster; some employers also promise to change it to a working visa once you get here.

You need to ask your self...Are you willing to take the risk of working in KSA with out proper working visa? If you say yes, then you have none of the rights and privillages that come with a proper working visa.with a working visa/ igama you become a tempoary resident for working purposes (in this case teaching),but on a business visa, you are suposedly in KSA tempoarily on business. You have to renew your business visa more often, last I heard every 30 days. That means you need to leave the country every time you need to renew your visa. With a working visa/igama only once every two years and you do not need to leave the country to renew. Banking is more difficult without a proper working visa. No formal legal rights, if things go from bad to worse. Finding accommodation, if you are required to...is more difficult on a business visa, etc. etc.. ....
YOU ARE NOT WORKING LEGALLY...think about that for a few moments.

The big question mark...will they actually honor what they say and switch you over to a working visa once you get in the country???
Apparently some 'employers' (recruitors, contractors, etc.)do and some don't.
Research and read past posts to get a handle on which places you can trust over the ones to steer clear from.

I am not an all knowing guru, but I have followed these boards since I joined Dave's and can attest, there have been numerous posts regarding the very same questions you have asked...although my reply may not have offered exactly what you hoped to hear, it is your choice to research past posts and get some other alternative perspectives. But in my estimate the basic answers to your questions will be the same. You are heading down the wrong path.

Personally I would just say no to business visas, recruiters, contractors and focus on direct hire. Not as easy as going with a fast track recruitor on a business visa, but in the long run, you will have a better, more positive experience living and working in KSA.
Good Luck!

[nomad soul]

[desert]

[veiledsentiments]

OK... so you are ready to take the risk and accept any problems if you must for a paycheck. Knowing the drawbacks is half the battle of coping.

Getting your money out of the country will depend on what city you are in - big versus small. There are likely money changers that do this as there are so many illegal teachers in the country now.

Other drawbacks are that you can't rent a flat if your assigned housing is horrid. You can't get a driving license. You can't bring family in if you are married. There is also likely a trick to getting a mobile. (check that out before you go... you may need to bring a switchable phone and then change the sim cards or whatever...)

There are really only two advantages to the business visa versus a legal work visa. One is that you can get into the country quickly (days/weeks rather than months) and the other is that you don't require an exit visa and can leave any time you reach the point that you can't stand it anymore.

VS

[Grendal]

Here is a job offer I got. Changed my mind though. Like monsters Inc. I'd probably get a scream out of them.

G
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ps but this neither here nor there

[Captain Willard]

[desert]

Thanks for the feedback. I don't know if I am going to go, but this information helps.

[AbeCross]

Insist on a proper visa. Accept nothing less. It is your right.

[scot47]

Undwer no circumstances go on a business or visitor visa. Insist on a full visa.

[desert]

Thanks for the advice. The visit visa was only one of the issues I ended up having. Also I didn't like the idea that I had no idea where I would be placed and I didn't have a clear indication of the working conditions. I was just expected to just sign an acceptance agreement that stated the salary and benefits before even seeing the contract. That's why I have decided to go to Turkey instead. It is less money, but it should be a better experience.

[ultraman111]

Never accept a business visa....period!


You will end up sorry in the end.



Full visa, full conditions....professional package or nothing!!!!!

[scot47]

If you take up employment on a business/visitor visa YOU WILL BE SORRY ! This is a route only for the most desperate, who have been refused by the French Foreign Legion.