Job Discussion Forums

[rosalind]

So... I learned in June that the university that offered me a position apparently encountered an issue with obtaining a block of work visas for the coming year. I've been on indefinite hold about this, and this morning I received this email. I'm really not sure about the implications and would love to know what you think.

"Due to the time constraints, we are now requesting to expedite your arrival to join [XXX] by 22nd of August 2016, so we would like to bring you on a Work Visit Visa for the moment. Please note that the Visit Visa does not require medical and police check and can be processed in 1-2 weeks duration. Since your degree attestation is a time consuming process, you may continue your degree attestation process while you join [XXX] on a Visit Visa.

Work Visit Visas are valid for 3 months and may be extended. We will allot a permanent work visa for you as soon as we agree and once we acquire it. You can go back to process the work visa in your respective home country in accordance to your passport later. Please confirm these terms so we can process your visa immediately.

Please note that in order to start the process of your visit visa, we require the documents/information listed below:
[... snipped]

However, we would like to clarify that there are some things you cannot do on a Visit Visa such as:

* You cannot own/ rent a car. However, [XXX] Housing offers shuttle bus services several times a day to and from the campus, as well as a weekly schedule to the malls and supermarkets;
* You cannot open a bank account. (We will be transferring your money to your international bank account, most International Debit/ Credit cards operate in KSA easily).
* You cannot buy a SIM card under your name.
* You cannot have multiple exit re-entry to KSA.
* We shall Apply for you and your spouse, subject to ministry approval.

All of these terms would be of course solved with the work visa, which we hope to finalize as soon as possible.
Please advise if you would like for us to arrange a Work Visit Visa for you, and if you do, we will also start the work visa requirements immediately.

Kindly acknowledge receipt of this email.
Should you have any questions, do not hesitate in e-mailing [...]"

[nomad soul]

They seem to be giving you the option to withdraw your interest in the position after being in limbo for two months (too long). They've outlined the implications of working on a work visit visa. The decision is yours whether to chance it with them or move on and apply to other openings. (By the way, the US degree authentication and TEFL cert verification usually aren't time-consuming and could have already been done.)

[RedLightning]

[Makkah]

[rosalind]

Thank you very much for the feedback, everyone -- it's much appreciated.

I'd like to drill down on these three questions:

[bigdurian]

[nomad soul]

[peripatetic_soul]

Rosalind,

Sent you a PM about benefits of credit union account vs. regular bank account while teaching overseas. In essence, credit unions typically do not charge a transaction fee for receipt of wire transfers, whereas most banks do. Also, banks often charge a % of the amount wired as a "convenience" fee. Terms and conditions vary widely from bank to bank.

PS

[Karitos]

To clarify some about the SIM card:

You can get a SIM card in your name without an iqama, at least at the airport. However, I believe you would be restricted to a pre-paid SIM. So you probably couldn't get a SIM card with a monthly payment plan, etc, but you definitely can get a pre-paid SIM just with your passport (well, at least on a USA passport, I don't know beyond that).

[greatminds]

I have heard of people doing this and it is not a problem. They get converted. I doubt they are trying to steer you away or do something unethical. I have worked in Saudi for five years and Im going back. I love it and I have had a great time there. Saudis are wonderful and loving people.

[currentaffairs]

[Karitos]

[worldtraveler411]

I'm going on a Business Visa, which I don't know why this is a little bit different or what it allows or doesn't allow you to do. Anybody know?

Not sure what medical tests you have to take with the Business Visa?

It's supposed to be multiple entry/exit.

Thanks for your reply.

[scot47]

There are many threads on Busoiness Visas. There are two schools of thought on the Business Visa. Use the "search" function.My line is that if you work on one of these you are breaking the law.

[nomad soul]