Job Discussion Forums

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Government institutions normally make you pay for the iqama. They say the law doesn't apply to them!

You will need your sponsors permission for an exit visa - at least that is the case in practice. As your dependents are on your sponsorship maybe the situation is different, but it is difficult to find out the real situation here.

publixteacher · Joined: 24 May 2005 Posts: 10

I will be arriving in KSA Thursday morning. Any idea how long it takes to get an Iqamma? I mean average wait time? I understand that I can't do much (like phone, travel, bank account, etc.) until I have it in hand. Also, since Thursday is the beginning of the weekend, will most things still be open at the airport? Should I try and get Riyals at the Atlanta airport prior to leaving? Would it be hard to turn US dollars to riyals in London?
Thanks to anyone for answers!

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

I have got mine in a few days. You must do a medical (all over again) when you arrive (tho certain nationalities for some weird rason appear to be exempt from this!). The HIV test may take a few days to come back, but once it does your Iqama can be processed in 24 hours. It mainly depends of the efficacy of your employer, who does all the paperwork for you.

You CAN travel, with a copy of your passport stamped and signed by your employer. Travel letters are a thing of the past, since 2000 in fact. You cannot, however, open a new bank account or get a driving licence without an Iqama. You can drive on your existing national licence, but for a maximum of three months after first arrival, and in a rental car only. To buy a car, you need a valid KSA licence to register it.

It is easy enough to get riyals. However, if you purchase them in London, you will effect TWO transactions: 1. USD-GBP; 2. GBP-SAR. That means two separate fees as well! You can easily just buy SAR with your USD on arrival. You can also use your home ATM card in Saudi, or a credit card, to get cash from a machine there. There are lots of them, and they will invariably give you cash in the currency of the country in which they are used, i.e. SAR. I have arrived in Saudi airports with not a bean in cash, and just used an Irish ATM card in the Arrivals lounge to get Riyals.

Good luck and have a safe and pleasant trip to KSA.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

A week for the Iqama.

Bring US dollars in cash and change them on arrival at AL-RAJHI or one if the other Moneychangers. They are open Thursday. Some may be open on Friday evening after Asr prayers.

Take it easy. When God made time He made a lot of it !

publixteacher · Joined: 24 May 2005 Posts: 10

Thanks Scot! That is what I am looking forward to the most. More time! I have held down 3 jobs for the past 5 years, and am looking forward to a much quieter lifestyle! Since I am a woman, and not able to drive, it will force me to slow down.