Job Discussion Forums

rikki tikki tavi · Joined: 18 Sep 2011 Posts: 4

Hello, I have received a job offer in KSA however the visa is a "Temporary Work Visa - multiple entries class". I did some research and it appears to be a legit visa to work. I have been told that the TWV is renewable for as long as it is required but I will not be able to have an iqama. I have been assured that while I cannot open a bank account I will be able to transfer money to an overseas account. Can anyone provide me with some pros and cons about working under a TWV? Many thanks.

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

You have been misinformed. It is NOT a legal work visa, (unless they have just invented this) so the biggest disadvantage is that you are working illegally and thus have no rights at all in Saudi and are totally under the power of your employer. I hope you know this employer very well and have had lots of friends who worked for them that had no problems or vetted them extensively on the internet.

There are minor advantages. It is cheaper to get, but that is mostly an advantage for your employer. It is also faster, an advantage for them if they are desperate for teachers (as all the shady employers are), and for you if you are desperate for a paycheck. The biggest advantage is that you don't need an exit visa and thus can leave in dark of night if they are too abusive.

Be sure not to give them your passport.

VS

johnslat · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 1:17 pm Post subject:

" . . . and thus can leave in dark of night if they are too abusive."

Provided you have the wherewithal to pay for your ticket.

Regards,
John

rikki tikki tavi · Joined: 18 Sep 2011 Posts: 4

Thank you both for responding. I called the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington DC. The man was rather rude but he did confirm I could work with a TWV and that I would not be able to get iqama. He would not answer any more questions! Just told me to talk with the company offering me the job. Shocked

johnslat · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 3:20 pm Post subject:

Dear rikki tikki tavi,

I'm afraid the man was fibbing - in-country the iqama IS the residence/work permit. Beware the cobras. No iqama = no working legally.

Regards,
John

rikki tikki tavi · Joined: 18 Sep 2011 Posts: 4

Thank you John.
I have been consulting all types of organizations. Generally they've been variations on the same theme: the TWV is a bridge between the business visa and the work visa... it is just a faster way for the company to process your visa... bla bla woof woof.
Your succinct explanation is a breath of fresh air.
Think I'll pass on this gig.

Many thanks
Rikki Tikki Tavi

johnslat · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 4:37 pm Post subject:

Dear rikki tikki tavi,

A lot of companies/institutions seem to be using the so-called "Temporary Work Visa" nowadays.

The main problems are 1. in at least some cases, it's not "Temporary" (you're promised it'll "get changed," but that doesn't happen and you end up both working/living in Saudi illegally - with NO legal recourse - and having to make trips to Bahrain to "renew" the TWR; 2. it's not a "Work Visa"; and 3. it's difficult, maybe impossible to tell whether the place that wants to hire you is going to "do the right things" or not.

Calling these things "Temporary Work Visas" reminds me of the old saying about "The Holy Roman Empire" - that it was neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire.

Regards,
John

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

rikki tikki tavi · Joined: 18 Sep 2011 Posts: 4

Wa�llah. Now that�s a handy tip to have in my back pocket. Cool

You guys crack me up and it�s a good day that can end on a chuckle. In fact I think I�ll pop off another cv to ARAMCO, I see the ccl is scouting again.

Don�t take any wooden nickles

Rikki Tikki Tavi