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transferral of iqama

 
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joleen7



Joined: 11 Nov 2012
Posts: 46
PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 2:58 pm    Post subject: transferral of iqama Reply with quote
Hi guys - can anyone tell me if this is possible, from one government university to another, and if so, how compacted or straightforward is it?
( I suspect it's like asking how long a piece of string is, but you get the drift) Smile
Thanks!
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scot47



Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 3:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Difficult, very difficult or impossible, depending on how the two institutions get on with each other.
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nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 3:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Take a look at a related thread, "Plan to allow expats to transfer iqama w/o employer consent" (http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=106804), although the criteria may have changed since then.
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plumpy nut



Joined: 12 Mar 2011
Posts: 1652
PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 4:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Igama's can be transferred with or without the approval of your present employer. The problem is usually there will be a "breach of contract". The penalties for breach of contract with you still working in Saudi Arabia if your present company finds out are sever and stiff in Saudi Arabia with the possibility of jail time and a 100,000 Riyal fine (your whole years pay). Most companies won't willingly transfer your Iqama because then they would have to transfer the Iqamas of a lot of other teachers who find better jobs, especially the Arab teachers (if there are any at your workplace).
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nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 4:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
plumpy nut wrote:
The penalties for breach of contract if your present company finds out are sever and stiff in Saudi Arabia with the possibility of jail time and a 100,000 Riyal fine (your whole years pay). Most companies won't willingly transfer your Iqama because then they would have to transfer the Iqamas of a lot of other teachers who find better jobs, especially the Arab teachers (if there are any at your workplace).

I suspect it's a different situation for teachers who are direct hire, as in the OP's case.
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joleen7



Joined: 11 Nov 2012
Posts: 46
PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 6:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
well my idea is to resign from one job and then start the other..all in a regular, non contract-breaking way. I am hoping to avoid the hassle of leaving KSA, getting all the flaming paperwork again, then returning for the new job. Might just stay or go to another country if it is too complex. My nerves can't stand it.
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scot47



Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 6:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Your nerves can't stand it ! ? What is this "it"

Saudi ? The job ? Or the process of getting a visa ?
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joleen7



Joined: 11 Nov 2012
Posts: 46
PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 7:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
the last thing in the list
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joleen7



Joined: 11 Nov 2012
Posts: 46
PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 7:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
anyway- thanks all for the info- I will sort it out for myself here in the Kingdom and decide whether it's worth transferring, remaining, or going to live elsewhere
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BillyBaddusky



Joined: 23 Aug 2014
Posts: 20
PostPosted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 6:25 am    Post subject: complicated Reply with quote
Here's a hypothetical.

If you worked at say, KAU, and were offered a contract at say, KFUPM, you're waging a 2-front war.
1. KAU would have to issue you an NOC. Good luck.
2. KFUPM wants to see a final exit stamp and you have to reapply for another visa (submitting the final exit visa and NOC) through the Saudi Cultural Mission.
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joleen7



Joined: 11 Nov 2012
Posts: 46
PostPosted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 10:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thanks BB- although I just talked to a colleague this morning who transferred 'easily' from A to B in Saudi..anyway, meantime have changed my mind and am looking outside KSA.