Job Discussion Forums

teach777 · Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Posts: 7

Can anyone shed some light on the reality of Transfer of Iqama?

Does this notion exsist or is it another conditional??????

Does anyone have any experience of transferring? If yes, then how long did it take?

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Private-Private & Government-Government is easy.

It's the mix that is the problem.

It isn't easy and costs money. Employers normally only do it if it becomes a condition of your taking up the job and they really want you.

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 12:27 pm Post subject:

Like so much in this country, the answer to your question has to be an unsatisfactory "It all depends...."

Firstly, many employers will refuse to transfer your iqama. This could be because they don't want to lose you in the first place, in which case they probably won't issue you with an NOC either. Alternatively, it could simply be because it's a hassle for them to transfer your iqama, and there are no obvious benefits to them for so doing. In such cases, your employers are likely to give you an NOC, sponsor your exit-only visa and suggest you re-apply for a new Saudi visa in your home country. If they have a good relationship with your future employer, they might agree to take on the paperwork required to transfer your iqama, but there is no obligation on them to do so.

As for time, again it's kind of a 'how long is a piece of string' question. It could take a few weeks, or it could take several months, during which time you will be 'in limbo' and unable to leave the country or do all of the many things (getting a phone, driving licence) etc. which require a valid iqama.

desert_traveller · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 335

ammmm when i was working in the ksa, quite a few of my fellow teachers were local hires (not saudis, obviously, in this case), and had to transer their iqamas. it could take a few weeks, true, but it seemed a fairly painless procedure, and no one seemed to have major difficulties, regardless of what previous employer they came from. not that past experiences meant anything in the ksa ...

desert_traveller · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 335

ammmm when i was working in the ksa, quite a few of my fellow teachers were local hires (not saudis, obviously, in this case), and had to transer their iqamas. it could take a few weeks, true, but it seemed a fairly painless procedure, and no one seemed to have major difficulties, regardless of what previous employer they came from. not that past experiences meant anything in the ksa ...

teach777 · Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Posts: 7

Thnaks for all that!
I'm actually going from private to government and the goverment organisation seem very prepared to assist me in this....so guess i'll have to wait and se..................