Job Discussion Forums

[joe_soccial]

We are moving to Riyadh for the first time. I have a job with Prince Sultan University in Riyadh.
My school is telling me that my wife and I should apply for visas at the same time, and travel together. But many of the posts on this site say that I have to go first, get an Iqama, and only later bring my wife. Can anyone comment on this?

[nomad soul]

PSU provides spouse/family flights in their benefits package. So if they're stating that your wife should travel with you, then get the specifics from them.

[scot47]

Many Government Universities treat married couples this way. KFUPM certainly offers this route to those who wish to be accompanied.

[sicklyman]

[scot47]

You can also come across the Married Status Contract where the unfortunate employee has to serve 90 days before the employee agrees to bring over the family. That was the deal with Saudi Arabian Airlines in the heyday, when they had 30+ English teachers in the English language Centre.

Government universities are more civilised and assume that you do not need a probationary period so bring you all over together - if you choose.

Salaries at KFUPM etc may not be top dollar. The Education Allowance may be inadequate. The paid vacations may be too long. However they treat their employees like people. The same cannot be said of some of those dodgy contractors, who shall remain nameless.

Choose your masters with care !

[cultofpersonality]

When I joined I remember a guy arriving with his wife and kids in tow.

You should be able to bring your wife straight away.

[scot47]

"with his wife and kids in tow"

That is a rather negative way to portray someone playing "Happy Families" !

[joe_soccial]

The Last Word:
My school tells me (and multiple sources have corroborated) that I may apply for my wife's visa along with mine and bring her at the same time. University teacher's have this advantage which businessmen and others do not.

[scot47]

My experience was that Unis treat you well, but may not pay top dollar. Military contractors like BAe and Lockheed may pay well, but often they will not provide married status.

[cultofpersonality]

Haha Scot47

I didn't mean it in that way although I can see how it can be taken in that way...

Joe soccial...The PSU employees I know brought their wives with them.

[paul.conlong]

Anybody here aware of the process at KSU via Al hussan, in regards to bringing family over.

So far from what I've been told is you go over there after 90 days you get an Iqama then apply to bring family over.

If you're at KSU was this the process for you?

Regards

PC

[halebob]

Hi Paul,

I work for Al Hussan and I brought my husband over. I was told before I left the UK that I would have to wait 90 days to bring him over.
I didn't have to wait the 90 days though. I brought him over on a family visit visa. The application is all in Arabic, so one of the HR people from the company completed it for me. Took longer than usual due to errors with the application, but once authorised, Britannia's side of the process was really quick.

[paul.conlong]

Did you use Britannia to complete the family visit visa? how much do they charge for this service and is it reimbersed.

Thanks

[halebob]

The family visit visa is a 100 pound. It doesn't gt reimbursed. The company only pay for flights, visas and medical insurance if the person is coming on an istiqdam, which gives them an iqama and the ability to work.
This was going to be a long process so we didn't bother and went with the visit instead.

[paul.conlong]

Do Al-Hussan cover the cost of the flight if you bring family over on visit visas?

Also, in regards to visit visas are you allowed to extend it for the duration of your (the teachers) stay?

Or is there like a maximum limit e.g. 180 days after which the family 'must' return?