Job Discussion Forums

The Noodles · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 202 Location: China, Chengdu

I have a question

Do you guys have a work visa or business visa?

Does your visa state in bold print 'Not permitted to work'?

Let's say it did, would you worry if you were heading out for work (teach)?

Any feedback would be much appreciated

Queen of Sheba · Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 397

Noodle dude, this happens all the time in KSA, its to the point where even the employer doesnt care, so why should you? Although I beleive you are in China, so, I am not sure how what happens in KSA applies to you. In any case, I wouldnt worry if your employer doesnt worry about it. Chances are its cheaper for them to keep you under this status rather than transfer your visa onto theirs. So, it will remain this way until they have no other choice.

The Noodles · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 202 Location: China, Chengdu

It's not the employer I'm worried about, it's the government!

Also if I' not officially allowed to work then my Salary could be messed with. Let's say it doesn't, can the tax man here (uk) use it against me to try and tax my money?

Queen of Sheba · Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 397

I dont know where you are and what governmental body you are referring to. Saudi, China or the UK? I can only comment on KSA, in which case the government only cares if your visa has expired entirely, and even then after a fine has been paid and a new sponsor found, it can be reinstated.

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 7:36 am Post subject:

If you're talking about KSA (and if you're not, why are you posting on a Saudi forum?), the iqamas of official dependents: ie, the spouse or child of a working expat, do contain the "Not permitted to work" stamp. However, this regulation is widely flouted: I know many 'wives' who work part- or even full-time, despite not being officially permitted to do so. I've never heard of anyone getting into trouble for this, although it could happen. In fact, such people are attractive to employers because they don't come with the extra hassle and expense (arranging visas, paying for accomodation etc) that International Hires do.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

If you are on a non-work visa but are working then you do run a chance of being arrested and jailed; it has been known to happen to EFL teachers in Jeddah, though it is unusual.

As you are working illegally, you have no redress if your employer stiffs you.

There are thousands of people in the Kingdom working on business or visit visas, so it depends on your luck; you draw the short straw you get caught.

goingbald · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 15 Location: Earth

Noodles,

Does your visa state "Not permitted to work" in English and Arabic, or in Arabic only?

I'm guessing it states that in both languages, as do Bahraini tourist visas.

If you find yourself in a sticky situation, speak English with the police and always tell the truth, which is that (I presume) you had nothing to do with the issue of your visa. I.e. your employer procured it for you. Then once it's procured, you find yourself in a situation where you are "between jobs" and therefore you have to take up your employment, etc.

You might face problems, then again you might face none at all. I remember once walking away from a mosque, with no iqama in my pocket. I had forgotten it. To cut a long story short, the cops were very nice to me.

Bottom line is: your employer got this visa for you. So they're primarily responsible. And surely the passport department knows that your employer was getting a visa for you to come and work.

If you come to the bridge, cross it. Otherwise, relax, enjoy, and avoid stereotypical expat negativity.

gb

Queen of Sheba · Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 397

Well said going bald, or should it be, intentionally bald?

goingbald · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 15 Location: Earth

Yo Queenie,

Given that bald denotes an absence of hair, and given that I have indeed lost some hair over the years, I don't think anyone would object to my moniker.

Is there anyone on the planet who is intentionally bald? Is such a thing possible? Doesn't it involve permanent hair removal?

Royal Court life must be getting to your head.....

gb

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Seems to me that over the last few years, head shaving has become rather popular. And I do know men, mostly young men, who are not balding at all, but still shave their heads... which I find very strange. Shocked

VS

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

You save on fortune on shampoo VS. It can get cold in winter though.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Don't think 'bald'. Think 'hair-free'.

Queen of Sheba · Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 397

Yes, and if all Muslim women would shave their heads, they wouldnt have to wear a hijab!

007 · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:20 pm Post subject:

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

As far as I am concerend a woman can shave her head, dye her hair pink, grow dreadlocks or whatever, what the hell does it matter?.........

But that's just me.

Oh it must be covered mind, lest the sight of a bald napper prove to much of a temptation to the wandering eye of a shababi or mutawa for that matter. Wink