Job Discussion Forums

positivity · Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Posts: 9

I was asked if I wanted my visa processing in London, or whether I would go to Bahrain (flight and hotel paid) as it is quicker there. I haven't got a job offer yet, but I am trying to get all my ducks in a row, so to speak.

The job is at KSU Preparatory Year, through Bell/Obeikan, and will not start until after Ramadan. the interviewer said if I went to Bahrain I would then go straight to Saudi once I'd got my visa.

Has anyone gone the Bahrain route? Is it really quicker, or do you just get stuck there? Not that it would matter, if the hotel is paid for.. But I don't want to stop working here, and be in limbo abroad. I have read of people giving notice at work and the job offer being withdrawn two days before they were due to leave.

EFLUndercover · Joined: 26 May 2007 Posts: 82

If you are already in London, then you should be able to go through the process with no problem.

The Bahrain route takes only about a week total. You have to get a medical exam there which takes a couple of days, then submit your paperwork through a visa agency who then submits it to the Saudi embassy for you.

All this takes about a week if the paperwork you brought with you and your medical exam are fine.

Also, stay in one of the better hotels - Days Inn, Golden Tulip, Sheraton, etc., as the cheaper ones are sleazy and infested with working girls and other sordid characters.

Once your visa is ready, the visa agency will deliver it to your hotel at your request and then you can book your flight to Saudi which is only about an hour's ride.

Also make sure that the driver has been pre-arranged to meet you in Riyadh as you cannot leave the airport unaccompanied. A representative from your sponsor must be there to meet you.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

You should be able to arrange a visa from London in 4-5 days. There is a medical center at 117a Harley Street that also has an agency that will do everything for you. The question is have they got the block visa in London.

positivity · Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Posts: 9

Would I be better approaching the embassy in London, or Bell, to see if they have a block visa? If I go Bahrain route, do I get an allowance for the hotel stay or will it be booked for me without reference to me? I suppose I should ask Bell, and I will, but advice from the grassroots is always more useful!

EFLUndercover · Joined: 26 May 2007 Posts: 82

If you go the Bahrain route, you will be reimbursed for your visa processing fees and medical exam. Not hotel stay.

Your flight to Riyadh will be prepaid for you once you give them your departure details.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Is it a work visa or a business visa you're coming with?

Grendal · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 10:28 pm Post subject:

A business visit visa does not require a medical. I know this for sure. I got two of them this year.

G

positivity · Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Posts: 9

I presume it's a work visa - I'm still reading through all the information that Bell has directed me to. On balance, and after reading through various threads, I will choose London as I don't want to be in Bahrain, having given my notice here, and then get my job offer revoked, as some people say they had.

Is it normal to be re-imbursed in country for these expenses, or are they prepaid/paid direct? Can I insist on the latter? After all, if they want me they should shouldn't put me to unnecessary expense.. I'm a very trusting person, and would probably have paid these expenses myself with a view to being reimbursed, but sage advice on this forum has flipped my caution switch.

EFLUndercover · Joined: 26 May 2007 Posts: 82

Bell will bring you in on a work visa, however all expenses incurred, except for the plane ticket, will be reimbursed after the fact provided you have saved all the necessary receipts.

Word of caution: The AlObeikan accounting staff is not the most proficient so you may be one of the lucky ones and get your reimbursements right away or you may be stalled for two or three paychecks. So just be prepared to restrain yourself if that happens.

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

lucreziaborgia · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 177

I have been told I need to return to my country of origin for my Visa and medical. This is an exceptionally long and expensive journey for me to take.
As well, while I am in my country of origin, it seems I am expected to front up personally at the KSA Embassy - also an expensive exercise.
It would be much easier and less expensive to complete this exercise in a neighbouring country in Asia that has a KSA Embassy.
It seems some employers are more flexible than others regarding
where the Visa and health check is completed. Or am I mistaken?
Any advice appreciated[/i]

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Some employers are more understanding than others. It can be done legally (but make sure you have a valid residence visa for where you are now and that there's a Saudi Consulate so there aren't any problems). It is however a considerable hassle for the employer, and takes time as the block visa has to be moved from the consulate in your home country to the foreign office to the consulate where you are now.

Thus the employer may simply refuse point blank to do it. Remembering you could be paying $1,000 for the medical tests up front, plus accommodation in Washington, plus fare + visa fees, you may well decide it's not feasible.

rigel · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 308

I was told earlier this year that I need to go back to the USA to get a Saudi business visa. I've also been told I can get it done in another country if it's simply a business visa. Who knows who is right. Maybe both, depending on sponsor.

I'm on a simple tourist visa where I am. I don't have a residency permit here. More than likely, I'll be going back home to take care of this visa nonsense if I accept a job in the KSA anytime soon. If I do have to go back, I'll probably forget about KSA jobs until December. I have to go back home then anyway if I don't find any decent TESOL jobs before December. Who knows...I may find something better that doesn't require jumping through this ridiculous hoop.

rigel · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 308

lucreziaborgia · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 177

Well. having declined all previous offers, I find I may well change my mind. Today, I was sent an offer from an outfit that has received few scathing remarks on this forum. We shall see.
I have become outraged by the state of affairs in the KSA and am experiencing a rising sense of challenge, shall we say.
I have lived in a difficult and feisty country for a few years and have become quietly self confident combined with an eff-you attitude. (Discrete, mind you.)
No. I have not lived in closed country but have been living in one that has only recently opened up, shall we say. It is a police state despite its louche appearances. I worked with that Ministry and a couple of other senior ones and have first hand experience of the machinations of the inner circles at the top of the pile.
I am not deluded about my ability to charm my way around obstacles but I do not like the feeling of hopelessness that has overwhelmed me the last few days.
Am I a fool; probably.
I asked some questions of one of my 'offers' who had up until then, been prompt in sending me information (general) about the position. However, 24 hours has passed and I have received nothing. I asked intelligent questions - you've all asked the same - and due to lack of response, consider that I am considered 'too much trouble'.
Although it is Ramadan...