Job Discussion Forums

[nomad soul]

Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan in the region. All Saudi government offices are closed until August 3 in observance of the holiday, so expect delays in visa processing.

[The Fifth Column]

[AJ88]

I don't know how they plan to issue all the required visas conserving the new semesters start from mid August.

I sense major problems.

[SirAristede]

[nomad soul]

It's not a major issue; visas will get processed in due time. Besides, even if new teachers trickle in later in the month, most of the returning teachers will already be back in country on their renewed contracts. The first week of the academic year is always slow anyway as a sort of breaking-in period; not much teaching gets done as students will be registering for classes and teachers getting their class assignments, books, setting up their office spaces, etc.

[plumpy nut]

In addition to government offices, at least some of the banks in the KSA might also be closed all through the holiday like Banque Saudi Fransi. At least that's what I have been told.

[SheikMilkShake]

Those were the days when HR/Visa guy( Saudi National only) paid a visit to government offices ( Labor Dept, and Immigration-passport office /Jawasat) for visa papers ( after going through pillar to post for signatures) are over now. According to MOL Nitaqat system, employers/private companies in highest Nitaqat/ Platinum category and those in Green category can process any type of service, visa, final exit, exit/entry, cancellation of visa, transfer of iqama, etc on line within 10 seconds once they log into their accounts on ministry systems. Some employers do not have enough Saudi employees and they fall into yellow and red category, depending on the ratio of Saudi Vs foreign employees they have managed to hire. These online applications do not need approval from managers at MOL or MOI, Saudi employers can print out the visa paper the same way we can make transaction on internet banking. Basically saying, Eid vacation or not, there is no waiting period for approval. Like NS said " visas will get processed in due time". If the employer delays sending you a visa, that means they just delay processing it on line.

[Super Modal]

My university hasn't sent me their paperwork for the visa application yet. So, I don't know what to think-have they withdrawn their offer or are they just really slow at this time of year? How can I tell? Maybe I'll just arrive in KSA late.
I'm stressed.

[scot47]

You must learn that all things happen in the time decreed by the Almighty. The Saudi experience is a great opportunity in learning to be patient.

[MuscatGary]

[SirAristede]

[Super Modal]

I've got all of my paperwork ready so that's all I can do. The scary part is that they could just drag things out and then withdraw their offer at the last minute.
Also, I have to have time to rent out my place and do other little things that I don't think would be wise to do before I know I have the visa for sure.

[nomad soul]

[Super Modal]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I guess I needed to vent.

[SheikMilkShake]

Super Model, you still have time to apply for other jobs in KSA and ME, and take the visa from the employer as "first comes first served" basis. Now only July, and Unis will not start operating in full function before end September, and one can arrive anytime in September and even Mid or End October. If you have got yr visa, and arrived early, you could get paid early and then you could save time , money paying for yr accommodation while waiting for things to happen. I hope all will be well, and they will not withdraw the offer once they made it, except in rare cases. But, if you are determined to take a job in ME, just apply for other jobs and see how the offers go to back you up. Good luck..