Job Discussion Forums

[bertonneau]

As I finish up my one year contract here, I am going to ask my employer for an NOC, which apparently they don't usually give out. Can someone tell me what specifically does an NOC letter say? Does it actually contain the words No Objection Certificate? Does it get registered somewhere with some agency of the Saudi government? IS it something I can simply forge and and use in the future if I snag my company's letterhead since perhaps no one over here really checks anything? Is there a good reason why someone who finished their contract in good standing wouldn't receive one? Does it reflect badly on the company somehow to give one out? I just don't know. From what I can tell from info on the net,this NOC thing was supposed to be phased out several years ago and the final exit visa was going to suffice, but I can imagine how no one changes quickly here. Anyway some feedback on this would be appreciated.

[aummua]

They are a remnant of a forgotten age; you really don't need one anymore from what I've heard. Mine is on my company letterhead and states I did a good job and they have no reservations of my seeking employment elsewhere. It's also called a Letter of No Objection. You may want to get one because it's so pretty with all the hologram stamps and seals.

[rollingk]

[Muhammed Abbas Khan]

The NOC comes in the form of a letter. It is entirely in Arabic. A transfer, in my experience is as follows:
1. The prospective employer writes a letter to your present employer stating that they wish to employ you. This will include your full name, nationality, iqama number and your profession, as given on your iqama.
2. Your present employer will then write back stating that they are prepared to transfer you to the new employer. This will usually take the form of at least two letters. One of these will be addressed to the "maktabul Amal". The signature on this letter and possibly the other letter(s) will need to be stamped at the chamber of commerce.
3. You will be required to turn in both your passport and iqama to the government offices with the various letters. A fee is also payable for the transfer which any upstanding and decent employer will of course pay.
4. At some stage you will have to produce your academic qualification(s). The most relevant will need to be stamped by the British Council and subsequently the British Embassy.

This is not an exhaustive list. Unfortunately, I didn't keep a diary while my sponsorship was being transferred.

You will be given a letter from the prospective employer whilst your transfer is being dealt with. This letter along with a photocopy of your iqama is an official document which is accepted as ID in a bank and by government officials. Obviously, you are unable to leave the country until this process is completed in its entirety.

Also be wary, although the contract is renewable annually upon mutual agreement by both parties, most employers will insist on your completing two years with them. This obviously does not automatically accord you the right to an NOC. After only one year of employment your present employer may insist that you forego your right to annual benefits of holiday money and tickets.

It is not an easy process to go through. Believe me I know. I went through it three times. It is not for the faint hearted. The process does take its toll on you both financially and mentally. But of course, all one sees initially are the dollar signs with the new employer. I would say that longevity and consistency with one good employer are better for ones bank balance and ones mental state of mind.

[aummua]

[scot47]

It is simply a letter along the lines of

"Our slave, John Smith, has decided to leave us. We have no objection to him becoming someone else's slave, if they are foolish enough to encourage him."

It is no longer a legal requirement but may, or may not be, an administrative requirement. (I quote from the legal problems page of "The "Arab News")

[Wilsonthefarmer]