Job Discussion Forums

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Hi everyone!

This is my first post...I've been an observer for some time but wasn't sure what I can contribute

I'm living in Saudi on my husbands visa, i.e. I've not been allowed to work so far here. However, I was recently offered a position to work at a university

My questions:

Do I need any other document besides an exit visa, i.e. any document from my husband like a NOC (no objection certificate) or anything else.

- Do I need ANY document from the university before I leave for the UK?

- Finally, where's the cheapest place I can go to in London or the Midlands for a medical? (I've been searching online and it's a hefty price to pay considering it's all coming out of my pocket

)

Thank you in advance for your replies

[scot47]

I do not think there is a cheap way to do it. Lots of threads here with advice on the medical. If you are still registered with a GP in the UK you could approach him/her.

[nomad soul]

[I-forgot]

From the sound of it, you are leaving Saudi and coming back with a new sponsor. You are not doing an iqama transfer. Is that correct? If so, read on:

1. See if you can do an iqama transfer. That involves speaking to your husband's sponsor and your new employer. It could be a much quicker option. It will cost money (several thousand riyals) but can be completed in the Kingdom which means you don't have to pay for UK living costs for the time it takes to get a new visa from the UK.

2. If an iqama transfer is not an option, ask your new employer which visa agency they want you to go through. It is not always necessary but it is so much easier to do that than handle everything yourself. The employer should reimburse you for the cost however you would probably have to pay up front.

3. Medicals must be done through approved facilities so your GP won't be able to help you. The visa agency or consulate can advise you. I'm pretty sure the only places are in London.

4. If you do have to leave the Kingdom to get your new visa, make sure you leave on a final exit visa. Yes, that is different to the visa you would use for a holiday when you intend to return with the same sponsor.

5. You won't need further documentation from your husband but you would need a contract from your new employer/sponsor and the visa batch number etc. That's another reason it is easier to go through an agency.

I'm not sure how long visa processing is taking at the moment. For sone reason, I have 6 weeks minimum in my mind but I amnit sure why. Perhaos others can who have been through the process recently can provide updates.

Good luck.

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[gregory999]

I do not think you can do an Iqama transfer as you are registered as a dependent on your husband's Iqama. You have to have your own Iqama linked to your job, and as far as I know, you have to do this after exiting with a final exit (you name will be cancelled from your husband's Iqama), and start a new work visa process in London.

Try your GP in UK, he might be able to sign some of the medical items for your (except AIDS, X-Ray and some blood tests where you have to pay for these with a private clinic).
Also, you might need your marriage certificate (translated and certified) in case you apply for a family accommodation with the university, and also for you husband to be able to act on your behalf in case of need.

[nomad soul]

[I-forgot]

To top up my earlier advice - the sponsor is required to pay for your visa costs under the terms of Saudi Labour Law.

I suggest that you remind them of this and tell them you want to use an agency and therefore which would they prefer you to use.

It is standard practice to be reimbursed for your visa and medical costs. It shouldn't be a surprise to them. That said, I do think it would be a good idea to create a paper trail for this so as to avoid issues later.

The last time I had to do is, the cost was GBP500. That included the cost of the medical.

If you would like to PM me with details of where you and your husband work, I might be able to offer more advice. Sometimes, it is just a case of finding the right person at the university to speak to and problems miraculously disappear. And sometimes it really does just seem that they are making things up as they go along.

[gregory999]

[I-forgot]

[quote="nomad soul"]
By the way, the iqama has been replaced with the muqeem.[/quote]

Yes, it has. However, we are all still calling it an iqama. It has some pretty holograms on it but is much the same as the old card.

[I-forgot]

edited - double post, don't know why.

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