Job Discussion Forums

americanjoe · Joined: 07 Apr 2015 Posts: 42

So here's/are the problem(s):
1. Business VISA
2. No Igama
3. So none of us can get a bank account
4. I do not trust anyone in KSA enough to use their account to transfer money to bank account back home as its thousands of dollars ($4600+ a moth) as they are paying us pretty good and it's a hardship station
5. KSA employer will begin distribution of salary to our accounts in the states but it's an all-or-nothing deal
6. Looks like laws have changed since I was here in 2009 as even Enjaz wants an Igama now to send money back
7. Western Union might do it (haven't visited them here in Hafir yet) but it looks like by googling it that is at best it's the "have someone pick it up for you with a big fee" deal
8. Money is stacking up
9. Supervisor says he'll do it but there is a limit he can send back monthly so not al of us can use him. Plus how much can you trust someone when you are technically in violation anyway?
10. Moneygram etc are now requiring Igamas to transfer
11. I'm getting the check again this month, but I took one home in 2010 from KSA and the bank was not happy processing it and I sure don't want to risk maybe $30,000+ in checks when I get back and would so much more rather send back like $3,700- $4 thousand a month ongoing
12. Employer promised bank accounts but they called us to a meeting last night: Get a check or have the company send it by wire. Decision by 8am this morning so I'm sort of freaking out
13. I Already have way to much cash hidden different places
14. I do not want to have to cash in rials for US dollars, even if I can find enough in this town

In a way it's a good problem, but by next month I'll have like $12,000 I don't have a way to get back home and it's growing.

What. Are. We. Going. To. Do?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Western Union is VERY expensive. Have you tried Al-Rajhi ?

It seems to me that you have to find someone with legal residence whom you can trust. If not, keep stuffing that mattress. Remember that when exporting SAR60,000 or more you have to declare it on departure from KSA and on arrival. Do not take Saudi currency. Take US $

Business visas = Mega-Headache

murray1978 · Joined: 02 Dec 2008 Posts: 84

When I was on a Business Visa, my company wired it to my account in Canada for me. I never had a problem.

I have an Igama and wired money home from Samba Bank and it took three business days.

I hope things work out for you.

Leno · Joined: 20 Dec 2015 Posts: 51

Some iqama-holding americans did not ( want to) open a bank a/c in KSA, and their sponsors ( immediate male manager who you can take him out for dinner sometimes, if you are a male) deposit monthly salary to their american or any ooverseas bank account ( minus the bank fees) happily.

waltgomez · Joined: 03 Jul 2014 Posts: 105

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

waltgomez · Joined: 03 Jul 2014 Posts: 105

Duh! Thank you, Captains obvious; of course we are all doing it. We talk to them daily. The company is saying that some new law was passed that does not allow them to send money into teacher's bank accounts.
They are looking for a way to solve it.

Has anyone ever heard of that law?

Business visas?

I was at 2 companies before this one and on business visas , and they just sent money into my bank account in the USA. We were all issued medical insurance cards, as well.

This is the first time I've run into this kind of situation.

americanjoe · Joined: 07 Apr 2015 Posts: 42

Problem solved:
Employer had each teacher fill out a form from Enjaz.
You had to include you passport number, address, employer etc.
Nine days later we received a card which allows us to now transfer money using Enjaz.

If this problem arises for anyone else on this board, advise your employer of this solution, which I think involves the least labor and time investment for everyone.

cnthaiksarok · Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2016 3:52 pm Post subject:

bigdurian · Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2016 8:08 pm Post subject:

Enjaz is the lifeline of millions of expats.

They get busy at times, as they would.

They offer WU services, or direct to account services.

I can't believe that anyone who has spent time in KSA hasn't heard of them, remarkable in fact.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

cnthaiksarok · Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2016 2:37 am Post subject:

americanjoe · Joined: 07 Apr 2015 Posts: 42

Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2016 9:06 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Report Post
Quote:
Employer had each teacher fill out a form from Enjaz.
You had to include you passport number, address, employer etc.
Nine days later we received a card which allows us to now transfer money using Enjaz.

If this problem arises for anyone else on this board, advise your employer of this solution, which I think involves the least labor and time investment for everyone.
----------------------------------------------
For those unfamiliar with working via a business/work visit visa, that would be "sponsor," not "employer."
-----------------------------------------------
Incorrect.
My sponsor is a contract company.
I am employed by and paid through a university, who also arranged the Enjaz cards.

As you are currently employed in KSA I hope this information helps you.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

If you are on a business visa you do not have an employment contract. Ergo you are not an employee.

siologen · Joined: 25 Oct 2016 Posts: 336

scot47, I think the same about the work visit visa. Someone who is on one of those can surely only be considered someone who is visiting and looking for work, it is not the same as a full work visa surely?