Job Discussion Forums

germane · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 6

I am currently in the final stages of negotiations for a position in Jeddah.
It seems they want me over there asap and the proposal is that I go in on a vistors visa which will be converted to a work visa.
I am entirely unfamiliar with KSA but I am wondering if I'll have any problems getting money out while on a visitors visa...in fact I'd be grateful for feedback on the whole visa thing. Is it common to arrive with a visitors visa and have it converted? How long does that usually take? Is it legal?
Thanks for any advice

Cleopatra · Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 8:52 am Post subject:

How badly do you want the job? How badly do your employers need you?

I ask because, if you have any option at all, I would advise you to insist that your employers get a proper work visa for you. This is because not having one can cause a lot of hassle. You will probably have to leave the country in order to have your status changed, and so long as you are on a visitor visa you won't be able get established in KSA. This is because you won't be able to apply for the iqama - the indispensable residence permit needed for all sorts of transactions. Without an iqama, you won't be able to open a bank account, get a phone (mobile or land line), get health insurance, pay bills, and many other things besides.

As to how long it will take to have the visa converted to a work visa, who knows? Much depends on your employer. They may do as they promised and set the process in motion as soon as you arrive, or they may instead simply be content that you are there at all, and will try to presuade you simply to have the visitor visa renewed again and again, without bother to get a proper work visa and iqama for you. If I were you, I would ask a lot of hard questions before accepting a job in KSA under those circumstances. I'm not saying it won't work out fine, but you need some reassurance before agreeing.[/quote]

germane · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 6

Thanks for the info Cleopatra.
I'm certainly not desperate for the job -it is with a hospital ....teaching English to nursing staff.....so I thought they'd be pretty organized and fairly straight up about stuff but as i said I have no experience in the Gulf at all. It is good to know about potential probelems with iqamas etc.

germane · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 6

Good to know about potential problems too !

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

It took about 10 days for my employer to convert the business visit visa to a work visa. There was no hassle.

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 6:31 am Post subject:

That is the best case scenario, and of course with a bit of luck this would happen to the OP should he or she accept the job.

However, I think it's also worth pointing out that there are some less than scrupulous employers who might try to convince him/her to keep renewing the business visa without getting an iqama, with all the hassles and problems this entails for the teacher concerned.

Van Norden · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 409

I'd be reluctant to come to Saudi even if everything was in order. This visa issue should put you right off. Unless they've got a good reason for doing it like this and you can get confirmation from others working there that it's not going to be a problem.

Are you female germane? Or are the nurses male?

germane · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 6

Thanks for the added information people.
Van Norden....why the reluctance to go to Saudi? Maybe that's a dumb question. I am female and I'll be teaching female nurses at a teaching hospital.
I'm under the impression that doctors and nurses (foreign) are sent to the hospital all the time under the same arrangement i.e. a visitors visa which is converted.
However, now I want to ask another question... i am also contemplating a job in the UAE ..same salary. Can any old ME hands advise on which job is likely to be more rewarding in terms of job satisfaction, social opportunities etc.
Thanks

Arab Strap · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 246 Location: under your bed

UAE takes it hands down.............probably more expensive mind and it also depends on the package in terms of benefits : flights, insurance, accommodation etc.

In terms of quality of life there's no comparison.

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 7:56 pm Post subject:

The_Prodiigy · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 252

UAE preferable to live, work and thrive in.
KSA is plain nutty.
And everyone slopes around with a frown on their face.
Life is to be taken soooo seriously in The Desert.

Van Norden · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 409

germane · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 6

Thanks everyone for your input. It seems as though the UAE would be a better choice given that the salary/accommodation/holiday packages are virtually identical.
I don't know any teachers in the KSA . I know some nurses who found life tolerable but restricted and I do know some teachers in the UAE who have willingly signed up for renewed contracts which I suppose indicates that they find life there more than tolerable .....or else they are wanted by the law back home.
Is there really no fun to be had in the KSA? Would life be pretty much restricted to wandering around the hospital compound forlornly, pining for a cold beer. How about going to the movies and that kind of stuff? Possible ?

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

Movies?? No theaters in Saudi.
Do you have a VCR or DVD player?
In the large cities you may be able to find a very limited selection of DVDs. In the small cities just a very limited selection of bootlegged DVDs and tapes.
Perhaps you can buy some outside the kingdom while you're on vacation and hide them in your baggage when you return.

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 9:36 am Post subject:

Personally, I like living in KSA, and no, I'm not ashamed to admit it either!

It's impossible for anyone to say if you will or will not enjoy life here - so much depends on the individual and his/her priorities and expectations. If you know that you will be bored without access to nightclubs, bars and cinemas, do not come to KSA. You would be better off in the UAE. That's not to say that you can't meet men or have a drink here - there are lots of opportunities availabe behind the high walls of compounds and other expat hangouts. Strictly speaking, none of it is legal, but police mostly turn a blind eye to discreet goings-on behind closed doors.

On the other hand, if you can live without a conventional nightlife, KSA has much to offer. The internet is freely available, and for most normal (?) purposes, relatively uncensored. You can get satellite TV, order books from abroad, do an online degree, go shopping in the gold suk - if that is your thing. If you are the more active type, there are plenty of gyms and sporting facilites available for women, and your hospital and/or accomodation may provide sporting facilities which you can use for free. Also, there are expat clubs which organise such activities as desert hikes or amateur dramatics: not my scene, but another option if that is what takes your fancy.

In other words, while you should not accept a job here expecting the 'freedoms' you can enjoy at home or in other parts of the Gulf, I personally don't think things have to be as bad as the above posters suggest. But please, don't come here demanding that KSA be something it is not, and has never pretended to be. If you can make your own fun and take the initiative in establishing a life for yourself, KSA can be more than bearable. If you need expat bars or snooty nightclubs, go to Dubai.