Job Discussion Forums

vorticity · Joined: 23 Aug 2010 Posts: 35 Location: The Eurasian Plate

Hey

I've accepted an offer of a position in KSA, and am waiting for the visa to come through. However, the visa I've applied for is a Business one. Having browsed this forum for information in this regard, there seem to be somewhat 'conflicting' viewpoints. On the one hand I understand certain implications of working with such a visa, but also the 'regularity' at which this seems to happen. So, my quesitons are.. what are the detailed implications of working in KSA with a business visa (e.g. buying a car and driving, etc.)?; is such a practise common for recruitment agencies (and does that necessarily mean they aren't reputable?); and, should I be concerned?

Thanks in advance for any help/advice you're able to offer!

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

Yes, you should be concerned! There is no conflicting info here...you are being used, if you enter on a business visa. There have been numerous threads regarding the huge downsides to entering KSA on a business visa...you already mentioned...a few...not being able to open a bank account, buy or rent a car....not to mention visa runs each month or so...do your homework and read past posts...as tedious as it may be; it would be beneficial do do so. You are foolish to enter KSA on a business visa...it's not worth it...unless your Saudi employer offers a work/ employment visa...do not accept!!! I repeat- NOT WORTH IT!@!!!!!! jeezus If I could slap you I would! Razz

If only to wake you up!!!! Cuz you and a hundered others have asked the same question and the answer is still the same...NO, do not enter KSA on a business visa...life is difficult enough in KSA...why oh why would you want to create more problems for yourself! WHY?

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2010 1:16 am Post subject:

I have another question, cmp...WHY would you waste a second on this troll...there has never been conflicting evidence over what is being asked?!?

NCTBA

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

Good point...probably because I have nothing better to do while I wait for my own employment visa to come through.( third time round & never ever have I entered on a business visa!.)... Just passing the time, waiting.... house sitting and dog sitting and a bit o' drunk !!! cuz that what I do when on holidays Very Happy

Of couse I like to lead people on... to think am a lush... Razz

sure sure..only when outside KSA...when I am in KSA, I am totally sober and a huge bore!

vorticity · Joined: 23 Aug 2010 Posts: 35 Location: The Eurasian Plate

Perhaps I should have clarified. This is with a view to obtaining a work visa (I assume). Does this make any difference?

Thanks

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Not true NCTBA... why are you accusing this person of being a troll? Would you please look up the meaning!! He is merely a newbie asking the same question that we get over and over. (and over and over)

I can understand where even if he has been reading lots of threads, it is confusing. There have been and are people who prefer these business visas. They like them because it allows them to hold onto their passport and abscond whenever they decide that they don't like things at these dodgy employers. That is a point...

But, the reality is the first of all you are working illegally. Thus you have no legal rights whatsoever if your employer decides to not pay you or whatever. Banking can be a problem, but many of the business visa fans have managed to get around the rules and get money changers to send out their money.

IMHO, I would avoid them... but even KAUST is using them for TEFL people. This is mainly because they don't yet know their needs and don't want to do any long term contracts yet... 6 month stints are too short to go to the expense of an Iqama. They are providing all transport and are paying salaries into US bank accounts. To be honest, they are about the only trustworthy employer who uses them... the rest seem pretty dodgy.

VS

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

oops... we're synchronized posting here Mr vorticity.

It is the employer who decides which visa you will have. Most dependable employers bring you in on a short term visa (you have to do tons of home country paperwork and medical tests) and then once you are there, within the first 3 months they turn it into a legal labor card called an iqama.

The shadier employers often use a business visa (supposedly for visiting business people) which must be renewed every three months by your flying off to Bahrain or some such...

VS

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

vorticity · Joined: 23 Aug 2010 Posts: 35 Location: The Eurasian Plate

Thanks, 'veiledsentiments' for your sensible defence of my opening post. My last entry was posted before the 'reply' of NCTBA' and - frankly - I don't see wherein there lies any great indication of 'trolling'.

For those prepared to offer serious advice, from some things I've read the bringing-over of employers on such a visa is 'normal practise' due to visa-processing time; such that they will work short-term (and yes, the length of this 'short-term' is another matter I suppose) while their work visa is being processed. So, based on this, is there real cause for concern?

And also - if those of you who know the answers would be so kind as to spare your time - I have some more specific questions..

- How does one receive payment if they're on a Business Visa?

- Does such an arrangement mean one has to live in a compound prior to a Work Visa being attained (i.e. that one couldn't make use of an allowance to rent)?

- Not a question.. but if you are/have been in such a position, I wonder if you could inform me of anything else that might be worth knowing?

Thanks again, and I look forward to reading some contructive advice