Job Discussion Forums

[whitehouse]

I know there have been other posts on this topic but I have been offered a position with an organisation called IGIT which promises to change the business visa to a work visa on arrival. I cannot find any information about IGIT on Google.
I am new to the Saudi situation and unsure whether to go or not.

[Pikgitina]

Many might say that it is impossible or even illegal (which it probably is).

When I first when to KSA (about 6 years ago), I went over on a business visa. I was young, totally ignorant and just thought "whoohoo - relatively good, tax-free money, long (paid) holidays, accomm. + flights provided, etc."
After arriving, I got an iqama in my second week I think it was, and all was fine. Only much later, when a colleague looked at my visa, was I told that I had come in on a business visa, that one is technically not allowed to work on such a visa and that such visas cannot be used for issuing iqamas. (The visa did say "3 months" but the rest was in Arabic. When I had initially questioned this, I was told that I would get an extension on my visa once in Riyadh.)

I assume that whoever got my iqama issued had wasta at the ministry. This is apparently very common. However, it is not ideal and I would never consider (nor recommend ) doing it again as it is not worth the risk. Besides, a legitimate employer would have no reason to go about things in this way. If they have to get you in like this, who knows what else may go wrong once you're there? In my experience, many things can go wrong once you're there! But hey, all under the belt, and hopefully never again.

[beachtime]

Hello,
I have a similar enquiry - I cannot find any information about IGIT on google. I have had an email from them saying their website is under construction.
I have been asked how quickly can I be available to come to KSA. I was under the impression that the visa process was very slow.
Any comments or experience with this organistion would be appreciated.
Thanks

[veiledsentiments]

There are nothing but red flags here...

VS

[beachtime]

Thanks VS for your reply.

[Cleopatra]

[007]

IGIT = International Group for Information Technology.

It is a company based in Riyadh.
Their website is under demolition!
http://www.igitgroup.org/

"We presently have teachers from the United States and Canada working with us. If you wished to consult with any of them they would be very happy to respond to your email inquiries. Please note that we need to hire English Teachers ASAP, so before applying make sure you are available to come to Riyadh on a very short notice. We take care of the visa process. All short-listed candidates will be contacted by phone. If interested please contact us ASAP through any of the following means: MOD edit

[beachtime]

Hi 007,
I have that advert, and I asked for clarification of people, web page etc, the reply avoided the questions, but asked for my passport info scanned as soon as possible, before a phone interview. Warning flags were raised when I got the email.
I was hoping that someone who is already in Saudi may have heard of them.

[mouse5]

[PeterBar]

I'm keen to get back to the Kingdom, but...........................

[Sheikh N Bake]

Not that keen, I hope.

[scot47]

It has been said before - choose your Master with care. Do not come to KSA lightly and be careful about whose indentures you sign.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Scot: You are too humble. Step up and OWN that phrase...it's good advice...and you deserve it no matter how many deaf ears of folk desperately grasping for the "brass ring" are listening with!

NCTBA

Opps! "Brass Ring"?...Bill Mauldin?...There I go dating myself again! ... ...