Job Discussion Forums

[Stephen Jones]

I've never been asked for a police check for a Saudi visa issued from the UK. I don't know if they do it now.

Unless you were sentenced to more than six months jail for the drunken driving, or more than two and a half years jail for the other offences they are spent and won't show up on an application going through the Saudi Consulate in London even if they ask for a criminal record check (unless they ask for an enhanced CRB but I very much doubt they're doing that; they'd never be able to hire anybody).

I know of various people who got the visa through Bangkok. To the best of my knowledge none were asked for a criminal record check.

[Markemark]

This is a very serious issue, especially as we are talking about education.
Theft. Saudi Arabia would see that is a clear sign that the teacher was unemployable.
Drunkeness. No big deal- unless there was a custodial sentence.
Violence. Whether it's ABH or GBH- there's a record and it's going to show.
In education, no conviction is ever regarded as 'spent.'
The criminal background check would have to be from the UK criminal records database.
What I do believe however is that if you are coming from, say, South Africa- the cr background check is vital. However, from the UK, that may and probably isn't going to be part of the normal visa processing requirements, although, Saudis do play tit for tat and now require Brits, like everyone else to be fingerprinted when here.
I think if the Saudis were to insist on a UK national producing a clean CR background- you would be in trouble. However, i think it's about 80% certain they won't. If you are asked for a CR check, you would be better to pull out.

[johnslat]

In the UK, driving or attempting to drive whilst above the legal limit or unfit through drink carries a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment, a fine of up to �5,000 and a minimum 12 months' driving ban. An record for a drunk-driving offense remains on a driving licence for 11 years. Being in charge of a vehicle whilst over the legal limit or unfit through drink could result in three months' imprisonment plus a fine of up to �2,500 and a driving ban.
The penalty for refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine for analysis is a maximum six months' imprisonment, up to �5000 fine and a driving ban of at least 12 months. Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, a minimum two-year driving ban and a requirement to pass an extended driving test before the offender is able to drive legally again.
The offense of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol is one to which there is no defense, as such.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driving_under_the_influence#Europe