Job Discussion Forums

[Evan2009]

A number of weeks have passed since accepting a job offer. I've asked about the visa but haven't received any answers. Maybe they're working on it without my input. I have no idea. Is this "normal"?

[Cleopatra]

It is perfectly normal for applicants not to be kept informed about the progress (if any) of their applications, and for their email queries to be ignored. It can be quite stressful to be kept in the dark in this way, but unfortunately it is part of life int his part of the world.

When do you expect to start work in KSA? If it is in the autumn, you still have plenty of time to get a visa. Remember too that visa applications are often made in 'blocks' so the HR dept may be waiting to get details from other applicants before proceeding with your application.

[Green Acres]

What is involved in the process? I heard about health checks, document checks, etc. What kind of things should I prepare for this process to go smoothly? Any advice (I too am waiting on this process).

Thanks

[Cleopatra]

The frustrating thing is that there's not much you can do in advance to speed up the visa process. You have to wait until your sponsor provides you with the authorization code, after which you will deal with the embassy. If you do want to get as much done as possible now, consult the relevant embassy's website and download the relevant forms. Also, it now seems that most if not all Saudi embassies require all applicants to apply via a visa agency. Again, the embassy's website should have a list of the agents they deal with, and you might do well to contact them asap.

[freesoul]

What you could do is start authenticating your credentials before you get the visa.

[Cleopatra]

That's true, freesoul.

However, I personally would be reluctant to embark on this tedious (not to mention expensive) procedure unless I knew for sure my application had been started by my sponsors - ie I wouldn't want to start until I had the contract and the visa code.

[Evan2009]

So a month or so of silence is "normal"? What about the medical tests? I've already started on these without any instructions. I just guess that they would need blood tests and urinalysis. Does anyone know exactly what medical tests are required?

[Cleopatra]

[johnslat]

Dear Evan2009,
This is for USA citizens, but it's the same for Canadians (and likely for all other countries of origin):

STEP 3
Proceed with the following requests immediately (asthey require the most amount of time to complete). The urgent items are:

Medicals: Schedule an appointment with your physician to complete your medical examination, including the required medical lab tests and medical forms. The medical lab tests and medical reports must be completed within three months* of the date of your formal visa application.

The official Embassy Medical Report forms must be completed in full, and in triplicate, by a licensed US Medical Doctor (MD)*. The name, license number, signature, and address of your physician should appear clearly on each page of your completed medical forms.

The following medical lab test results (required for the visa) must accompany your Embassy Medical Reports (any copies must be initialed by your physician)

HIV;
RPR/Syphilis;
Hepatitis B antigen;
Hepatitis B antibody;
Hepatitis C;
Blood counts and screening profile (this includes: random glucose, creatinine, phosphate, urate, albumin, alkaline phosphate, AST, total bilirubin, total protein and cholesterol);
Chest x-ray (if you completed a chest-x-ray within 12 months of your intended departure date, your old test result can be used, and it will not be necessary to repeat this exam);
Urinalysis.

http://www.hziegler.com/locations/middle-east/saudi-arabia/articles/visa-process-for-saudi-arabia-for-americans.html

Regards,
John

[Evan2009]

John,

Thanks a lot. That is very useful information. I can see that my doctor has not requested all the required blood tests, so more will have to be done. The tests are supposed to be valid for 90 days so I should be OK with the ones I have just had done. Will there be any problem if I present two separate sets of blood tests with different dates?

About the transcripts and verification letters: The verification letter is a letter from a university, written on university letter head, stating that I have a valid degree? That's all? Transcripts must bear the seal of the university, I assume, but need not be notarized?

[johnslat]

Dear Evan2009,
Even in Saudi, I can't see two sets of different dates for the blood tests caussing a problem (as long as both dates are within the validity deadlines.)
A verification letter request form, which, as you wrote, is a letter from a university, written on a university letterhead, stating that you have a valid degree, will likely look something very much like this:

http://www.oakwood.edu/forms/records/important_forms/verification_letter_request_form.pdf

As for the transcripts, well, where I worked, they didn't have to be notarized, but that was way back when I started in 1980. one problem is that different employers play by different rules. Another problem is that the rules can keep changing.
This says they need to be notarized (which is stupid, really, but welcome to the Kingdom)
Saudi Arabia

Another country that offers impressive remuneration for workers is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, though an employment visa is only valid for one year. In order to be granted an employment visa, an applicant has to have the following: a completed visa application form, a passport valid for at least six months, passport size photo with a white background, reference note with number and date of residence visa, original sponsor letter, copy of the signed employment contract, certified and notarized copies of the applicant�s university diploma, medical report proving that the applicant does not have a contagious disease (specific forms apply); and a police report with information on the applicant�s criminal record, if there is any (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 2006). In addition, if you are transferring from a position within Saudi Arabia, then you will need a release letter from your previous employer.

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/esl/articles/teaching-english-abroad-in-the-middle-east.shtml

But your employer SHOULD let you know what's required.

Regards,
John

[Evan2009]

John. Again thanks. Yes, my employer SHOULD tell me what is required however, for reasons that I can not understand, they just won't! At least not yet. I am trying to do what I can now so that I am as prepared as possible when they finally decide to give me some advice.

[eclectic]

It cannot be expected that a US- or UK-style convenient and timely servicing of clients will be furnished in places like KSA, Egypt, INdia, etc.

If youwant that style of customer's always right thing, you should not leave London or LA or Frankfurt or Paris for "those parts of the world".

[johnslat]

Dear eclectic,

"It cannot be expected that a US- or UK-style convenient and timely servicing of clients will be furnished in places like KSA, Egypt, INdia, etc. "

I'd be most grateful if you could let me know just where that "convenient and timely servicing of clients" can be found in the States.
In my experience, it's almost as conspicuous by its absence here as it as in Saudi Arabia, especially in the "government sectors."

Regards,
John

[eclectic]

well I got pretty darn speedy and good service as well in Philadelphia, PA, at all college/utility/DMV/etc. bureaus. And the strong customer care attitude in Boston was pretty impressive as well at all public sector locales.

But these days I imagine things are slippin and a-slidin, in parallel step with the economy, and also with the declining immigration numbers, if you saw today that 2008 saw a 2.3% drop in new applications for US visas.