Job Discussion Forums

[geomood]

Does the KSA work permit specify location of work, e.g., city and institution e.g., King Saud University?

[johnslat]

Dear geomood,

If by "work permit," you mean your iqama, then the answer is yes (but the iqama is really a "residency permit" rather than a "work permit.")

Iqama �Smart Cards� Soon
Abdul Maqsood Mirza, Arab News

JEDDAH, 10 June 2006 � Electronic iqama cards will soon be made available to expatriate workers in the Makkah Region as the passport department is currently installing the equipment to issue such smart cards, according to Brig. Muhammad Hassan Al-Asmari, director general of the department.

Speaking to Arab News, Al-Asmari said his department decided to issue electronic iqama cards in place of booklets as part of efforts to prevent forgery and provide advanced services to both Saudis and expatriates.

�We handle more than 16,000 applications daily,� he said while talking about the pressure of work at the department�s office in Jeddah, especially during summer when a large number of Saudis and expatriates travel abroad to spend their holidays.

Al-Asmari said the department was also training its officers on how to use the new equipment to issue smart iqama cards and how to overcome problems.

He hoped that the department would be able to complete the installation of the equipment and training of its staff within the next few weeks.

The new smart card will carry all personal information about the holder, informed sources said.

The permit will bear the full name of the worker in both Arabic and English, the number, expiry date, photo, date of birth, nationality, profession, religion and the employer�s full name.

The information on the card cannot be tampered with, said the sources."

Regards,
John

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[Citizenkane]

As John say, the iqama is more of a residence than a work permit. In most cases, it is specific to one employer/sponsor. Yes, you do occasionally hear of people getting 'open igamas' which can be transferred from one sponsor to another, but this is unlikely to interest ESL teachers.

BTW the iqama cards have been in use for a few years now. They look rather like credit cards and have a photo of the holder and all relevant info (in Arabic). Much handier than the ugly little booklets us ol' timers remember.

[scot47]

Your residence permit ("IQAMA") ties you to your employer. When you come here you are essentially signing articles of indenture.

[Mia Xanthi]