Job Discussion Forums

[Nostradamus]

Howdy!

I was wondering if being Jewish would prevent me from getting a teaching position in the Middle East (ie not Israel) ?

Well, half - jewish at least ....

Thanks
Nostradamus

[Cleopatra]

In Saudi Arabia, it is said that Jews will not receive visas, let alone jobs. I write "it is said" because as far as I know, the Saudis do not publically admit this (there's lots of things that they don't admit!) A couple of months ago there was a scandal because their US embassy website said that Jews would not be allowed entry into KSA: they then turned around and said "It was put there by mistake." Oh, sure.

Anyway, you do hear stories of Jews getting jobs in KSA - probably because the Saudis don't know their religious background. You have to state your religion on the visa application form, and if you write anything other than "Muslim" or "Christian" (incl. "Atheist") your application may well go straight into the nearest bin. However, if you are prepared to lie about your religion, it is unlikely the Saudis will be any the wiser. Even if you have an obviously Jewish name, they probably won't cop it.

Don't know what the situation is elsewhere in the Gulf.

[Paul in Saudi]

As always, Cleo is right.

[Nostradamus]

Cleopatra

Much thanks my queen . I appreciate the advice

Nostradamus

[veiledsentiments]

Gosh Cleo --- looks like you have an admirer!!

VS

[Jim Bigelow]

As far as I'm aware, KSA does not prevent anyone from entering based on religion. KSA, like most arab counties has no relations with israel and as such does not permit people from israel, products from israel or people who have visited israel from entering Saudi Arabia.
It is not based on religion at all although this seems to be commonly misunderstood.
Hope that helps!

[Cleopatra]

Yes, VS, I will add the OP to my verrrrry long list of admirers (joking!)

Actually, Jim, I think KSA DOES discriminate on religious grounds.

It goes beyond non-recognition of Israel: remember that remark on their Embassy website, which I mentioned above? The one that somehow got there "by accident"?

Plus, I have spoken to several Asians of the Buddist faith. they told me straight out that they had to lie about their religion on their visa form, writing "Christian" instead of "Buddist" because they feared they would not be allowed in if they told the truth. Of course, those who process their papers probably know perfectly well that they are not "Christians" - if they were, the entire christian population of SE Asia would be in KSA! But... so long as it is not out in the open. All for show, as we know...

[Stephen Jones]

It is quite common for Sri Lankan Buddhists to put Christian on the application form because they think it will increase their chances of getting a job. There are very many who don't, and they all have visas.

[Cleopatra]

I agree that there is probably no official, consistent ban on Buddists or others. However, as you say, many pretend to be Christians in order to improve their chances of getting a visa, which would suggest that there is religious discrimination to at least some degree.

[double agent]

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[Jim Bigelow]

Really don't want to split hairs but Stephen didn't mention it would help them get a job or a vias. He was saying that they think it will increase their chances or make it easier to get a job if they don't put Buddhist on their form, he wasn't referring to the visa being issued.
If a comment went on the Saudi Web Site then perhaps it was a genuine error I have no idea, but as far as I know there really is no ban on people of the Jewish faith entering the Kingdom.
So many things are assumed in KSA (and perhaps several other countries) yet when you actually probe a bit further than your opinion you find it's not always as presumed.