Job Discussion Forums

dorothy1 · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 33

Help!

My Saudi agent is telling me that within my 3-month business visa, that they will send me to Bahrain to get my Iqama. Is this possible?

I'm a US citizen and well aware of the steps needed to attain an Iqama in the States.
However, the is new to me. When I question the fact of needing a medical check, police check, and degree cert they just tell me not to worry. That all you need to attain a Saudi Iqama in Bahrain is a medical check that will be done in the Kingdom when I arrive. This sounds fishy as we say. Any insight or information is appreciated. Thanks

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

Which contracting company would you be working for?

dorothy1 · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 33

New Horizons/Al Kahleej

dorothy1 · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 33

And I should add that this is a private sector ESL job, not a University post

AJ88 · Joined: 05 Sep 2013 Posts: 99

dorothy1 · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 33

Yes, same...

baa_baa · Joined: 04 Dec 2011 Posts: 265

I know for a fact that they did this to my brother who works in UAE, but he had the choice to go where ever he liked. So I am assuming its the same here. They are probably sending you to Bahrain because the plane ticket is cheaper.

Look at the bright side.. Bahrain is a freer country compared to here. You can catch a movie and bring us some fresh popcorn.. goodluck.

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

there is no bright side to look on. Only darkness. Twisted Evil

no, you cannot get a Saudi iqama in Bahrain. If they are bringing you in on a business visa it will almost definitely stay that way and you'll find yourself sent out of the country every three months and illegal while you're in Saudi.

baa_baa is unfortunately mistaken about the plane ticket being cheaper if they are planning to give you an iqama. That is because the only way to legally enter the country if you have the right visa which leads to an iqama is by air and they'd have to then fly you in from Bahrain. You cannot cross the causeway (anymore) if you are coming in to reside here.

So, the fact that they're dropping you in Bahrain does not bode well, I'd say.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

An Iqama cannot be issued in Bahrain - or anywhere else outside KSA. These people are telling you B S

White Man speak with forked tongue. So too do some from Arabia.

They are attempting to bring you to the Promised Land on a Business Visa.

AJ88 · Joined: 05 Sep 2013 Posts: 99

As far as I know Al khaleej supplied ESL teachers for university posts as well as private posts.

Also last year applicants were issued employment visas in home country then flown in to Saudi to start the iqama process

teachr11 · Joined: 23 Aug 2012 Posts: 39

Due to the newly-enforced degree requirements for English teachers, I couldn't get my employment visa in the US. My company has "connections" with SACM in Bahrain, so they sent me there to get my employment visa. It IS possible to get an employment visa in Bahrain.

However, I had to get my degrees attested in the US, and get the local police report. When I got to Bahrain, I had the medical check, and then the visa was issued. I think that, because your company didn't require you to get the police check or degree attestation in your country that this situation could be shady.

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

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

You might get a visa in Bahrain. Will it be a visa that leads to an Iqama being issued once you are in KSA ?