Job Discussion Forums

kartoteka · Joined: 03 Dec 2013 Posts: 12

I've been offered a four-month contract in Saudi, and have been told it's expeditious to go to Bahrain and utilize the Saudi embassy in Manama to apply for the working visit visa. Am told it would take three working days.

Any thoughts on the wisdom of such advice? And yes, all my papers/documents/etc are in order...

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Just be aware that it isn't really a work visa and you would be working illegally. But it is so short term, that it probably isn't a big deal. But, if the employer decided not to pay you, you would have no legal recourse.

VS

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

I assume you're not physically in your home country, which is why you're being told to head to Bahrain for visa processing. However, something's amiss because a business visit visa (AKA working visit visa) is valid for only 90 days/approximately 3 months. Since you're contracted to work in KSA for four months, why isn't the sponsor getting you a temporary work visa to cover your short stay?

rollingk · Joined: 23 Jul 2006 Posts: 212

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Working visit visa ? They are going to get you a business visa which PROHIBITS EMPLOYMENT.

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

kartoteka · Joined: 03 Dec 2013 Posts: 12

Forum responders, I'd like to thank you for your generous and prompt postings in answer to my query.

Addressing the latest post first, that of Scot47, I was attracted to the four-month contract because it would tide me over until I take up a job that is 100% firm for September 2014 (direct hire,excellent communication, thoroughly legit, government university, contract soon to be sent by FedEx, etc.).

A fair amount of confusion seems to exist (at least in my own mind, if nowhere else) with respect to what, precisely, is a "working visit visa," but from the responses given so far, it seems that the terminology itself --come of the recruiter-- is suggestive of insufficient forthrightness or, at a minimum, lack of complete candor on the recruiter's part. In any event, if a "working visit visa" or business visa --however one cares to characterize it-- means that paid work is illegal, then one hardly needs more reason to reject the offer.

Thanks for the input!

johnslat · Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 11:01 pm Post subject:

Dear kartoteka,

It's illegal, but that hasn't stopped a fair number of people of taking that route. And some actually claim to like it, posting that it's better than an iqama.

Regards,
John

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

kartoteka · Joined: 03 Dec 2013 Posts: 12

Yes, Nomad Soul, you are correct.

What do I mean by "contract on the way by FedEx" etc? In point of fact, it's coming from this university's office in the US. I mention this only by way of emphasizing the bona fides of the direct hire in question --in other words, it's not a fly-by-night situation; in other words, the September hire inspires confidence, whereas the four-month deal inspired doubt and uncertainty.