Job Discussion Forums

Imdramayu · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 394 Location: South Korea

My family employs an Asian housemaid in the GCC who we hope to bring to KSA when we move there this summer. Is it possible? Has anyone else done this? Is it difficult to get her a "housemaid" visa? What are the steps? Would she need to go back to her own country and then come to KSA from there after we get her visa?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

For a non-Saudi with the status of "teacher" the chances of being able to do this are pretty close to 50 million to 1. Maybe you have 'wasta' with someone ? Otherwise - FORGET IT !

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Scot 47 is quite wrong.

If you are married the process of bringing a housemaid is possible, but long and drawn out. And the answer is yes, she will have to return to her country, possibly for several months. Then there is the question of nationality; you have to hope you will be granted a visa for the country she comes from. Also in Saudi housemaids normally come through an agency. There is a legal reason for this. The Saudi agency guarantees that if the housemaid doesn't like it for the first three months they will pay her repatriation costs.

So the short answer is that getting a housemaid is a tedious process, as are any dealings with Saudi bureacracy, but quite possible. I know of many teachers who have done it. Ensuring you get 'your housemaid' will probably be more bureaucracy.

One last thing is to ensure that your accommodation is sufficiently spacious to accommodate the housemaid.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

My experience in Jeddah was that this is simply not possible. Stephen has clearly had different experiences.

Of couyrse one stratagem would be to marry your housemaid and bring her in as a dependant.

Imdramayu · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 394 Location: South Korea

Hmmmm, Scot47, you have me thinking. 2 wives. I'll ask my wife for her thoughts on this one. When in Rome, do as the Romans do!

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

I think that you would have to formally convert to use this strategy. Cool

VS

johnslat · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:35 pm Post subject:

Dear veiledsentiments,

Ahem - you mean "revert", don't you?

Regards,
John

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

Nope... I have checked the English dictionary and "revert" is a completely incorrect term. The word "convert" is the only accurate word in English.

"Revert" seems to be a poor translation, or perhaps an arrogant supposition.

VS

windstar · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 235

I believe what js refers to is the common usage among saudi students. According to islam, everybody is born muslim and then raised in different environment. Once they decide to come to their starting point, they revert to their origin.

sheikh radlinrol · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 1222 Location: Spain

windstar · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 235

i think it is better to hear from johnslat.

johnslat · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 2:10 am Post subject:

Thank you windstar.

Well, whether it's "nonsense" or not is, I suppose, a matter of opinion/belief, but here's an example:

"As for reverts to Islam they undergo a great struggle. The moment they declare their faith (Islam), most of them lose their loved and dear ones. Their old friends refuse to accept their new lifestyle and new faith. Some of them tend to lose their family who are unable to digest the fact that they have embraced Islam. Whenever I hear a revert saying, "I love my parents so much� my family showered and lavished me with affection until I embraced Islam. My family�s attitude towards me is causing me much pain that sometimes I even think of leaving Islam, then Allah would shower His mercy on me that I would be reminded that this is a test and this World is just a temporary abode... and I would say 'I should not fail this test and Allah, The Most Merciful will shower His mercy and blessing on me and my family...'" The pain which, reverts to Islam undergo is something which cannot be felt unless we are in their shoes."

and if you google "revert to Islam", you'll get about 202,000 hits.

Regards,
John

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

No matter how many hits you find, it doesn't change the fact that in English the correct word is 'convert' as the word 'revert' is from an Arabic word which doesn't transfer to English and is based on a religious interpretation that isn't relevant to non-Muslim English speakers.

Muslims are certainly free to use it, but there is no reason for the rest of us to accept or use it. I and many other non-Muslims find it offensive.

Just to be fair, I am also offended by the Catholic assumption that an unbaptized newborn infant who dies will not be allowed into "Heaven."

VS

johnslat · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 2:58 am Post subject:

Dear veiledsentiments,
Actually, the English word was used on many occasions by student of mine who were trying to get me to embrace Islam.
But the beliefs of others, as long as those beliefs do not include injuring others, never offend me.
They may amuse me; they may sadden me - but why get offended?

Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

It is analogous to the use of "Makkah" for the holy city while the rest of the English-using world continue to use "Mecca"