Job Discussion Forums

[lizziebennet]

I have heard a few horror stories with regard to exit visas or change of employent on the iqama.

Main arguments for it are that you can open a bank account or buy a car.

My company says they will deposit a specified amount into my bank acocunt back home and give me a specified amount in cash. This actually saves me from paying transfer fees as I do all my banking via the internet anyway. I have a card that allows me to withdraw cash internationally so that is not really a big deal.

I also like the fact that we will have to leave the country on visa runs and will be able to keep our passports.

As far as a car goes, I have heard that you can rent one on a business visa. Is this true?

So why should I go through a lot of hassle (I mean A LOT OF HASSLE in my country because it takes weeks to get a criminal clearance certificate and a lot of time and money sending docs from my city).

I have a month here so can get the docs which is why I am putting this question out there...

[manowur]

I worked on a business visa last year so I can verify some of the things you mentioned. Not having an iqama was a pain at times, but not totally unbearable.

As far as direct deposits, my employer was able to do the same for us (although there were often delays).

I'm not sure what you were referring to by "visa runs". We had our visas renewed every 3 months in country. However, we were on single-entry. I did hear though that those with multiple-entry visas had to go to Bahrain every month to renew.

As far as renting cars, only the bigger international agencies (i.e., Avis, Hertz, Hanco, etc.) were willing to rent to us. However, they cost more and give less km per day than the smaller local ones.

In my opinion, I think getting an Iqama is most advantageous for those with families to bring over. Singles can get by on a business visa with minor headache. And, as you mentioned, you get to keep your passport so you can disappear if you're not happy.

[Cleopatra]

Without an Igama you cannot:

- Get a mobile phone (though the rule is not always enforced)
- Get a visa from any embassy in KSA;
- Get a telephone/internet/satellite TV in your home
- Change money in a bank (you have to have an account)

.... and lots of other things besides, which I can't think of right now. Quite aside from the fact that it's actually illegal to work long-term on a business visa.

[Middle East Beast]

[lizziebennet]

[Linda467]

On the cell phone issue, please, any of you have been able to buy a SIM card locally, the reason being I am bringing my regular 3G phone and another extra to insert a SIM card, otherwise my calls run something like 7 US $ per minute and SMS around 2 $, consequently I�ll leave this one for receiving SMS from family and friends ONLY and would like to use the other one locally

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance

Linda

[trapezius]

You can easily get a SIM card locally with or without an iqama.

As for getting visas from embassies to visit other countries, I don't know. However, people on business visas at my last place of work used to go to other countries every 3 months or so. I don't know how they did that. Unfortunately, I am not in touch with anybody so I can't find out.

There are many people on here who are here or have been here before on business visas, so one of them could answer.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

This is for long-time saudi vets: Who ever wudda thought that having an iqama was a priviledge? My, my, my how things have changed...

an' so many moths out there, so blissfully, jes' flying into the flame... Sad, really...

NCTBA

[Cleopatra]

[Linda467]

Thanks ever so much Trap for the tech info. Make the Basket & Robbins family size

I have pretty much everything squared away on the procedure with info and details to go there but I am a newy (first timer in the Kindgom).

If anything pm me and can give you some details although my country is a bit different

Good day