Job Discussion Forums

CANDLES · Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 10:47 am Post subject: 90 days Business's visa....

Are the 90 days Business visas still about then with a a trek to Bahrain every 30 days to renew?
I notice the various colleges of excellence sprouting up in KSA are using them extensively.

1chunk · Joined: 05 Aug 2014 Posts: 123

Yes, still being used extensively. Very unstable and insecure job, they can let you go at anytime.

honorarycheesehead · Joined: 05 Nov 2013 Posts: 13

I'm sure they're doing their best. After all, I did see this sign outside one of their colleges.

http://www.gettyimages.fr/detail/photo/sign-saying-we-are-committed-to-excellense-photo/86071414

CANDLES · Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 11:45 am Post subject:

1Chunk

At the colleges expense hopefully!

robinbanks · Joined: 28 Apr 2009 Posts: 77

Are these business visas being used to get people who are over 59 work in the country.Any personal experiences?Any signs of change with the new guy?

CANDLES · Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 12:33 pm Post subject:

Don't know about the new King's policies, but these visas are being used for the new 'colleges of excellence' vocational colleges springing up in KSA and yes lots of 'older' and more experienced teachers are going for it.

As these colleges are fairly new, they haven't been given the authority yet to get Iqamas for their teachers. Perhaps in couple of years, once they've established themselves fully.

BajaLaJaula · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 267

That's not the story recruiters and employers are telling.

They tell you....yes initially it is a visitor visa...but we will get you an employment visa and iqama. It might take a few months.

Then they just send you to Bahrain for a couple of days, while they work on getting you another visitor visa.....and the cycle continues.

Lots of promises...that they never intend to keep.

Shady dealings...recruiters, Saudi employers, Western companies all in on the shady deal. Lies and more lies.

For most TEFLers, though, they don't care about it. Just, "show me the money."

CANDLES · Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 3:22 pm Post subject:

So what do you care?

You get paid for the time you're there, go to Bahrain to get extension and back again at the employers expense. So you are laughing all the way to the bank! Otherwise don't go to KSA if all you're going to do is 'whinge'!

Take it as it comes. Goodness sake you are not setting up a home and raising family there- but merely 'educating' and getting the money for a couple of years TAX FREE! What more do you want at that age 59+. Rolling Eyes

BajaLaJaula · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 267

Alas....I am trying to set up a home and raise a family...and I would like some job satisfaction and stability to go along with my money.

Too much to ask for....given that employers in Saudi just want to use you and leave a little money on the bedside table when they are done. Just make sure that you have an employer that pays. No freebies from me.

CANDLES · Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 4:55 pm Post subject:

I meant in KSA. Most teachers go there as singles rather than with a family in tow, or raise a family there.
Not being obnoxious here, but everyone uses everyone else!

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

One of the attractions in KSA used to be that there were jobs that enabled a teacher to support dependants. These jobs are hard to find now. The golden years from the late 1970s to 1990s have gone and will not be back. Many teachers there now are single-status.

I missed out on the years when megabucks were paid but I did get there in time for a job with family status including ticketing, housing and education allowance.

CANDLES · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 9:47 am Post subject:

So someone has a Business visa, but it says 'not allowed to work'. What happens then?

BajaLaJaula · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 267

a lot of places do this now....get people in quicker...within 1 to 2 weeks.

They send you to Bahrain to get it renewed every 3 to 6 months.

As far as I know....there has been no crackdown on this practice.

Teachers are still teaching even though their visa says very clearly "not allowed to work," on it.

You are considered a consultant and not going to work...just consult.

Pros:
This is, in some cases, a multiple exit-reentry visa...so you can go to Bahrain on the weekends and spend all your money on booze.

Cons:
You are working illegally. You cannot get an iqama while in country. You cannot bring your family.

If you are interested in this type of deal...check out SESP through Chase recruiting or AmidEast.

CANDLES · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 1:35 pm Post subject:

So I've heard. Bahrain must make a lot of money out of this.