Job Discussion Forums

havinganicetime · Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 14

Due to administrative errors, my prospective employer wants me to enter on a 6 month visa. I know that I won't be able to get an iqama. I was told that I will get a multiple entry/exit visa. I have this feeling that my 2 year visa will be processed in Bahrain and that I'll be forced to waste a holiday there, possibly at my own expense. I'd like to know the problems I might encounter with this visa and if it is advisable to work under these conditions.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

The 6 month work visa appears to be new. Can you give us more details.

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 5:18 pm Post subject:

I don't really understand this.

I don't think anyone enters the Kingdom on a 2 or even a 1 year visa. As I understand it, you enter on a 3 month visa which is then converted to a longer-term visa, with the issuance of the iqama, within 3 months of your arrival in the Kingdom. In fact, some employers wont' issue the iqama until you've completed your 3 month probation period. So I don't think there's a real problem with your situation: If your employer has assured you that you can get a multiple entry-rexit visa it must be a proper work visa, not a business visa.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 5:27 pm Post subject:

Actually, I think that the visa issued in a foreign embassy or consulate is valid for three months for entry. The long tern visa is then applied for by a responsible employer for the iqama to be issued.

Is this not true?

NCTBA

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 5:31 pm Post subject:

johnslat · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 6:05 pm Post subject:

Dear Cleopatra,
"As I understand it, you enter on a 3 month visa which is then converted to a longer-term visa, with the issuance of the iqama, within 3 months of your arrival in the Kingdom."
Absolutely correct - I have all my passports from 1980 on and every entry visa to the Kingdom was for thee months. At the IPA, on our initial arrival, we usually got our iqamas very quickly, with a week or so. After that, of course, we just got our iqamas back from the IPA when we turned in our passports.
Regards,
John

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 6:40 pm Post subject:

Et tu, Yahya? Very Happy

NCTBA

johnslat · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 6:44 pm Post subject:

Dear NCTBA,

Beware the Ides - but I believe I was backing you up, not stabbing you in the back. Smile

Regards,
John

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 7:09 pm Post subject:

All in jest, my friend...all in jest... Laughing

NCTBA

P.s.- I like the word play on "back"! Very Happy