Job Discussion Forums

beetlil · Joined: 20 Dec 2008 Posts: 53 Location: Hanoi

I have been offered jobs in both Saudi and UAE and the recruiters are pushing for a septmeber 1st flight. My problem is my contract here in Hanoi doesn't end until mid August and I have to fly home first and if I go to Saudi, I know it will take a few weeks to get the visa organised.

So my question is, is this just the recruiters being pushy and do some people start after the academic year has begun? I don't want to lose the chance to go, but also don't want to break my contract here. If I tell them I have to finish the contract will they pull the offers?

Any advice appreciated.
Cheers

beetlil · Joined: 20 Dec 2008 Posts: 53 Location: Hanoi

Sorry, I can spell September - it was a typo Very Happy

egyptfan · Joined: 29 Nov 2004 Posts: 105 Location: Middle East

Not sure why it would be September 1st as that will be in the middle of Eid. Nothing will happen until September 5 at the earliest and I'd say more like Sept 10 or 17 in reality. Two reasons they might want Sept 1 - flights expected to be full from Sept 2-7 onwards and, secondly, they probably need you for orientation etc. Also, were you to arrive on September 1, very few people would be around, many still on vacation and others gone off for the Eid break to neighboring countries.

Bear in mind also that it could be very difficult to get much done through the Saudi Embassy in London during Ramadhan..... and especially towards the end of the month. Nothing will happen there for at least a week from Aug 29/30 onwards. When you get there, your best bet would be to line up a reputable agent in London to do the running round for you. They don't cost a lot for the amount of work they help you to avoid and I thought I read somewhere you have to use an agent i.e. you can't get the visa yourself.

In the meantime, you could contact the agent, line up all the bits of paper you need and be ready when you get to the UK. Best of luck.

beetlil · Joined: 20 Dec 2008 Posts: 53 Location: Hanoi

Thanks egyptfan. Your reply has been really helpful and I very much appreciated a little more insight into what will happen over the holiday period Smile

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Pe�ple often arrive late for all sorts of reasons - usually visa-related.