Job Discussion Forums

[jonathan1001]

Visa Application

I have been preparing my employment visa application and was a bit surprised to see that the embassy wants;

� Original of your degree/diploma or letter of experience applicable to your position.

http://www.mofa.gov.sa/Detail.asp?InSectionID=2705&InNewsItemID=42558

This is for the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia � Canberra, Australia. I have never had to send my original degree before.

I would like to know if other Australians have done this or is this a typographical error on the Website?

What happens if I send a certified copy?

Jonathan

[R_of_OK]

Hi Jonathan1001:

Rest assured. It's the same everywhere, no matter where you are from. I mean, I come from Canada and I had to get all my diplomas authenticated by the Dept of Foreign Affairs; then, I had to get a medical signed by my physican with the provincial College of Physicians' seal, etc, etc.

Admittingly, it's a rather lengthy process.

If you send copies, they must be legalized or approved by a notary or a lawyer beforehand which can be a bit costly...if you catch my drift!javascript:emoticon('')
Rolling Eyes.

If you want to make sure your diplomas get back to you, make sure to include a pre-paid DHL Express Courier return envelope and that should do the trick!

Take care

R_of_OK

[Bebsi]

In the London embassy in the past, I was only asked for a standard photocopy of my first degree and a quickie CV. However, they insisted that ONE document be fully authenticated, the medical test. I asked why the diligence with that one in particular, and they said it was because of HIV and other viruses.

Many mocked this procedure, saying ironically "so, we don't care whether you are qualified or not, as long as you don't have any nasty diseases".

I can actually see the Saudis' point, up to a point: it is up to your employer to check your credentials, they're his concern. Health is more a matter of public policy, however.

Except for one thing that I don't get: once in, you're in, and you can go on as many trips to the more debaucherous parts of the world after that (as many indeed do!! ), and pick up all sorts of nasty things, and no-one cares.

[a_ibrahim]

concerning the medical, it's still a bit much.

our doctor asked me whether or not some of the tests were really necessary. he mentioned that some of the diseases they're concerned about, such as malaria, aren't even found here in the states. but, i haven't had much luck in getting answers from the embassy. they don't answer the phone.

do you know anything about that?

[scot47]

Well, Haji Ibrahim you are free to refuse ! If this freaks you out, wait until you get to the Holy Land !

[a_ibrahim]

well, firstly, it's hajjiyyah not hajji.

it doesn't freak me out, if the tests are necessary. one of my concerns is the time it's going to take because some may need to be sent out of state for results. at least that's the case where i live. and they're expensive.

[sw]

I wonder if the ubiquitous sub-continentals are required to take the same medical?

[Rennenkampf]

I signed a contract to work for them two months ago but still have not received a work visa.'Faculty Affairs' at KFUPM Dhahran is supposedly working on it.
Is this delay normal?