Job Discussion Forums

[Stephen Jones]

It's the Saudi government that insists they keep the passport as they don't want you leaving and giving your iqama to somebody else.

[caliph]

Maybe because I worked on a U. S. Department of Defense -MODA contract, they let us keep the passports.

[The_Prodiigy]

Humans, are by nature gregarious. Meeting in groups to discuss, laugh, banter, suggest improvements is an essential part of living.

This is fundamentally, the primary reason why living in The Desert so frequently brings out deep depression to those living here - especially folk from normal societies, where it is taken for granted that socialising is necessary, life-affirming.

The bizarre way society is structured, with rigid segregation of sexes makes life extremely difficult for people. And for whose benefit ? For a tiny select few. Income generated from oil is selfishly spent on the ruling classes, rather than essential improvements to infrastructure, ideas and encouraging innovation.

I agree - it is futile to fight against this system. It is so tightly controlled - through the black cloak of religion, media and "education". More productive use of personal reources would be to write a novel (as others have wisely suggested), save money (buying any luxuries in Bahrain or UAE) and then transferring to a proper country until dramatic changes occur in KSA.

Employers DO keep a hold of one's passport. This inconvenience further adds to feelings of isolation and apprehension. At Saudi British Centre we did manage to sqeeze out a multiple-entry visa (500 sobs) and permission to carry our passport. Some months later this "privilege" was revoked.

So, yes Saudi is a tough nut. BUT when cracked not sweet inside - dry and foul-tasting.

[Bebsi]

Legally, you are entitled to keep your passport, in fact, according to the laws of most countries, you are obliged to keep it. My Irish passport, for example, is not technically my property but that of the Irish minister for foreign affairs. Even hotels are not supposed to ask you for it.

This is the theory. In practice however, like so many other things in life, things can be somewhat different. Try refusing your passport in hotels in most Gulf countries, and they will take a copy and ask you to pay each night you stay, up front. Some will insist on keeping it anyway. What do you do? You do have a choice: don't stay there.

Saudi is a bit like that: most employers will insist on it. In most cases, the embassies are pretty much powerless to do anything about it. Like a hotel, if you don't want to do it their way, go elsewhere. Harsh reality!!

I would add, that many reputable employers in KSA will indeed allow you to keep your PP, such as KFUPM and various other insitutions. Others will allow you to keep it provided you leave your Iqama with them, and will only give you the latter document when you deposit your passport.

At HBCC, they kept my passport but I never had any problems getting it back whenever I wanted it, which at one time was virtually every weekend! The only condition was that I hand in my Iqama, with which I had no problem whatsoever.

There are indeed employers in KSA I wouldn't trust with my passport, but then, they are the employers I wouldn't touch with a bargepole in the first place anyway.

[Abba]

I think the saudi rules of Iqama, Kafalla, and holding of passports will change if the KSA is admitted to the WTO. Because one of the requirements of WTO membership is to get rid of Kafala and other regulations which do not respect the dignity of employeers.
So, I guess within 3-5 years the work rules and regulations will change in KSA.
One f the things which has been abolished wa the PERMISSION LETTER to travel between the cities of KSA, which was issued by the employers to the employee so that he can travel within KDSA. Now it has been abolished, I think 3 or 4 years ago. And the KSA governemnt is working to change it labour regulations to be more civlized and to respect the foreign employees, especially the most defavourable ones who are from third world countries (bangladesh, pakistan, Philippnes, Arab counrtries).
Also, they have to allow for Workers Union, which do nopt exist in KSA !!!, in fact they are not allowed and forbiden !!!.
Hope KSA will change to the interest of both the employers and employeers.

[dracotei]

[scot47]

Dracotei

Take my advice and just do not come to Saudi Arabia to teach. I think you would find Iran equally difficult.

You'd better stay in the USofA.

[a_ibrahim]

[Cleopatra]

[jammish]

Saudi sounds like hell. Why not get qualified as a teacher? Then you can get a job at an international school anywhere in the world, have similar pay to Saudi while living in a much better environment.

[scot47]

'.............get qualified as a teacher........'; ? Cheek ! I was qualified as a teacher before you were born !

[Bebsi]

Jammish says

[scot47]

Jammish does not want to know about the reality of life in KSA.

The truth is that if you have one of the better employers AND the right mindset, KSA is okay.

And a salary of 12,00 0 riyals goes a loooooonng way

[Paul in Saudi]

It is not just that teaching in Saudi is easy and remunerative, teaching back in the US (UK, whatever) sucks. I do not understand how people do it.

Enough of this. Off to Fuddruckers for breakfast with friends then a 9:00 Spanish lesson, then the grocery. I am out of grapes for the parrot.

Busy, busy.

[Abba]