Job Discussion Forums

JennaNJ · Joined: 19 Jun 2016 Posts: 6

Hi all,

KAU apparently pays for round-trip tickets for expat employees and their dependents. What I'm not sure about is whether they also pay for the initial flight to Saudi Arabia for my dependents and me. Anyone know?

Thanks!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I think they do. As far as I know it is a legal requirement.

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

They likely do. (BTW, this is the type of question you really need to pose with the employer.)

JennaNJ · Joined: 19 Jun 2016 Posts: 6

Thanks @scot47

Also, last week I received an email from KAU saying they'll contact me once my visa is ready. Anyone know how long that usually takes? I'd like to stay in the U.S. until Ramadan is over, and perhaps leave mid-July. Does that sound like a reasonable timeline?

JennaNJ · Joined: 19 Jun 2016 Posts: 6

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

As for your visa, if you recently signed your a preliminary offer, then they're referring to the process at their end. Once the prospective employer has received your acceptance of the prelim offer, their HR person processes the block visa request to the Ministry of Labor. After receiving the MoL's approval, the employer then obtains a visa authorization number and an electronic power of attorney authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The entire process can take up to 3 or so weeks (more during Ramadan and holidays). You're on hold until notified by the employer to start the employment visa application process and medical requirements at your end.

For now, you can send off your request for your criminal background report (it's good for 6 months). Also get your application for your degree authentication ready. (See the SACM's site at http://www.sacm.org/Departments/contactinfo.aspx and click on "forms" in the left menu to access the three requisite forms.)

It's also likely you're expected to be in country in Aug or Sept for the start of the 2017-2018 academic year. (This is another question you need to clarify with them. Don't assume anything!)

JennaNJ · Joined: 19 Jun 2016 Posts: 6

scarlie · Joined: 28 Apr 2010 Posts: 24

KAU does pay for your initial flight to KSA and return flight upon contract completion.

Don't be surprised if it takes several months to get your visa - regardless of when they want you to start.

Be aware that you will not be reimbursed for your medical or any expenses related to visa processing. Also, you cannot leave the Kingdom without permission (it can be a pain), and you must pay 200 SAR for each exit/entry visa.