Job Discussion Forums

[musaafira]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with switching teaching jobs in KSA? Is that easily possible because I heard about the iqamah being an issue and not always being transferable and teachers having to go back to their country of origin to reapply and start all over again? I'm wondering if there is any way around that.

Thanks

[plumpy nut]

It's not possible without your present company allowing the transfer. The civil penalties for transfering your Iqama to another company without approval can be 100,000 Riyals, and you would have to pay it before leaving Saudi Arabia. Employers will rarely allow an Iqama to be transferred because then that would mean a free market to more suitable and better jobs for every employee.

[nomad soul]

[musaafira]

Thanks for your replies!

Is there some sort of ban for not re-signing and leaving (at the completion of current contract though), because apparently some schools have that mentioned in their contracts that if you did that you can't come back and work in Saudi for another 3 years. I'm not sure if this is a some sort of law or what. Basically, is it possible to leave a job there then go back to your home country and come back with a new job in a few months or same year?

If anyone knows anything about this please do share!

Thanks

[scot47]

LONO (Letter of No Objection) or NOC (No Objection Certificate) used to be universal. If taking up a job after previously working in the Kingdom, you had to provide one of these. The waiting period for those without this was two years (changed to one year later.) It is no longer a legal requirement but some employers will still ask for it. Often the same employers who consistently refuse to issue these to their own employees.

Does not apply if you are working illegally on a business visa.

[Al-Ikwan]

So assuming at the end of your contract you get a NOC or LONO and come back to your home country, is the visa process quicker through a new employer?

Also whilst you're over in KSA would it be possible to apply for jobs whilst there and have interviews in KSA. I was thinking if this was possible, then an individual could mention that they will be going back to your home country at the end of their contract.

By doing the above you secure your next role and start the visa process immediately for reapplying.

[nomad soul]

[currentaffairs]

If you complete your contract and go back to your home country then you can apply for new jobs no problem. I even know of one guy a few years ago who was sacked in KSA and he left, went back to his home country, and was back in KSA within 3-4 months with another company.

[plumpy nut]