Job Discussion Forums

johnslat · Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 3:25 pm Post subject:

I might add that the only time I needed a letter from my employer to travel (but not an exit visa) was when I journeyed about inside the Kingdom.
But I'm not sure whether that is still a requirement.
Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The travel letter is now a thing of the past - but you need an iqama if you want to travel around - or your passport.

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 1:40 am Post subject:

With an iqama and a multiple entry/exit visa, I never had to to get a letter from my employer to travel, and I travelled frequently since I lived near Bahrain. I never heard of any of my colleagues having to ask for a letter to travel, either.

BillCowher · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 131 Location: Up in the air!!!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

......................I am here on the GVV..............................

Can you elucidate ?

johnslat · Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 2:22 pm Post subject:

Dear scot47,

I suspect it's a "Government Visit Visa."

"Government Visit Visa
Requirements:

A passport valid for at least six (6) months.
One (1) recent passport size color photograph with a white background; the photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are NOT accepted.
A completed application form filled out with black ink or printed. Application forms can be downloaded from our website www.saudiembassy.net. Please include your email address on the application.
A reference note showing the number and date of the visa issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its branches in Jeddah or Dammam.
For non-U.S. citizens, a copy of the green card or a document confirming legal residence in the U.S.
Notes:

Visitors should not overstay the time granted by the visa.
Business visas do not grant to the applicant the right to work or to reside in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must abide by the country�s Islamic laws and regulations and respect its society�s values and traditions.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia�s laws against drug trafficking are strictly enforced. Violators are subject to severe punishment, which may include the death penalty."

Regards,
John

Kalima Shahada · Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 2:24 pm Post subject:

johnslat · Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 2:53 pm Post subject:

If Mr. Cowher is in the Kingdom on a GVV, I don't see how he could have an iqama.

"Business visas do not grant to the applicant the right to work or to reside in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

And, since he's in Saudi under technically illegal circumstances:

"I have told the employer that under no circumstances am I vacating my housing until I am given a ticket and paid through the date of that ticket since the sponsor is responsible for the visa I am on"

I also don't see how he would have very much, if any, "leverage" to get what he wants.

Of course, his employer is also breaking the law; however, I have never heard of an expat employee who had as much or more "wasta" than a Saudi employer.

Also, according to most of the posts, Mr. Cowher is alone in thinking that an expat employee with a iqama needs this "letter from an employer" in addition to an exit visa. I certainly never needed one.

Regards,
John

BillCowher · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 131 Location: Up in the air!!!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Have you taken legal advice ? I do not mean from some EFL colleague who is a disbarred lawyer from Arkansas. I mean legal advice from a Saudi lawyer.

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 12:32 am Post subject:

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Mia is right. You will bring upon yourself only Grief and Tribulation.

"You gotta know when to hold them
Know when to fold them
Know when to walk away
Know when to run."

BillCowher · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 131 Location: Up in the air!!!

MixtecaMike · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 643 Location: Guatebad

Anyone who does a runner from any country should have their teaching credentials and other more painful things cut off immediately, without anesthesia.

If you are stupid enough to sign a dodgy contract or even worse, travel across the sea on the basis of some dodgy internet ad, take your punishment like a man (unless you aren't one) until the end of your contract.

I'm unsure of the correct procedure for the ladies Sad

BillCowher · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 131 Location: Up in the air!!!

I wonder just how one is to know a contract is dodgy until in the country and faced with the reality that the company over-hired & are only keeping the young people? They also do not have the funds for the pay & to pay the accommodations. I have no option as to whether to stay or not. I'm being sent home & just want the pay I contracted for.

No "runner" concept is being considered. What is being considered is staying until all money owed is in hand.