Job Discussion Forums

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

Folks:

If there are any Canadians here who have used a visa agent to help with the process of applying for the Saudi work visa, it would be helpful to receive the contact details.

This will probably be very beneficial in diminishing the stress associated with this visa process which, otherwise, looks like being long and onerous.

I have tried searching online and found nothing.

Thank you,

Ghost (Montreal, Quebec)

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

Ask your prospective employer to refer you to an agent. My employer dealt with a specific agent

Cleopatra · Posted: Sat May 24, 2008 8:24 am Post subject:

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Cleo, you should know by now that those who have not been here and those just off the plane always know better.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

windstar · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 235

which one is better to bring your spouse under your sponsorship or arrange a position and get another work permit (iqama)?

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 2:38 pm Post subject:

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Technically you are breaking the law if you allow your dependants to work while in KSA.

It does happen though. Many of the international schools in Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar would close if this rule was rigorously enforced.

johnslat · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 3:56 pm Post subject:

Dear scot47,
Are you sure? My wife didn't have any problem getting a job as a nurse at the KKESH in Riyadh. And what would be the purpose of so overtly having "local hires" if it were against the law?
On the other hand, I know that may have been a stupid question, a case in point: satellite dishes.
Regards,
John

Cleopatra · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 4:07 pm Post subject:

It's true that it is technically illegal for a 'spouse' to be employed in KSA while still on their husband's/wife's iqama. It still goes on, of course, and the authorities tend to turn a blind eye.

Not always though. I heard a story about an expat who had a grudge against a former employer. He phoned the local Ministry of Labour (or more likely got a lSaudi with wasta to do so) and informed them that College X was employing several teachers who were supposed to be 'dependents' of their spouses. Supposedly, all the 'offending' teachers were sacked and the college got into serious trouble.

windstar · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 235

Many thanks for the information. We have an offer from jeddah for her. It says 9946 rials plus accomodation allowance and transportation -other benefits as per their agreement. She has MA in linguistics and 6 years of experience. I think it looks reasonable.

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

The info. is interesting, but the original question still holds - that is can anyone recommend an agent in Canada who could help with the visa process.

Perhaps, hiring an agent is not that beneficial?

I am concerned about the 'work experience' letters, which I don't have, and which would be impossible to obtain from some of the places I worked at overseas.

Ghost

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 7:01 pm Post subject:

windstar · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 235

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

To the best of my knowledge work experience letters are not required for the visa. Employers often require them, but notarizing would be a simple waste of time and money, and I have never had any notarized.