Job Discussion Forums

marklor · Joined: 27 Apr 2017 Posts: 24

Hi,

I just got a good offer from a company to come work for them back in the KSA.
The only problem is they say they need a letter from a company back home inviting me out to KSA. Apparently this is standard for them from now on.
I'm not currently employed and don't know why a non Saudi company would issue such an invitation.
It's possible that my handler is out of his depth and has never processed a business visa before.
I have recently finished a contract in KSA where I was employed on a business visa which was processed in Bahrain.
Unfortunately I'm not too au fait with the details. Can any of you esteemed folks provide some guidance- what do I need to do? and what can I tell my employer to do on my behalf in order to get a Saudi business visa. This is a good offer and I need to act fast on this.
Many thanks for your help.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

The company is apparently adhering to the application requirements for a business visa. (See the sticky in this forum on visa types.) Tell them you're an independent contractor and see if that will suffice.

BTW, your previous work in KSA was as a sponsored visitor and not as an employee; a biz visa is essentially a visit visa.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

the people in Saudi want YOU to find a company in YOUR HOME COUNTRY so they can process an invitation to go to KSA ? Sounds weird to me.

I worked for some weird outfits in my time but I never, ever went on a business visa.

Times they are a-changing and I am just plan old-fashioned ?

hash · Joined: 17 Dec 2014 Posts: 456 Location: Wadi Jinn

To me, it sounds like your prospective employer is skirting with the law, both Saudi and USA......and placing the burden of proof and responsibility squarely on YOUR shoulders....since he's asked you to make the first "move" and "find" a fictitious US employer.

I can tell you right now that there is no company based in the US that is going to do what, supposedly, you're going to ask them to do....you'll be laughed right out of the boardroom. No amount of money is worth the legal entanglements that you could to be headed for, assuming the case is as you stated.

Any company, especially a foreign company, that is willing to jeopardize an "employee's" or "visitor's" health and welfare by suggesting such an outlandish plan as to "find" an employer that will issue an "invitation" to you to go to KSA (where it has no business established) is probably also feeding you a line about the salary you're raving about. There's something else going on here.....and whatever it is....... guess what....you're the fall guy.

Long time readers here have probably noticed what appears to be happening for the last year or so with regards KSA employment......more and more, employers, contractors, recruiters, direct hirers.....the whole slew of personnel in the employment business in KSA .......are more and more placing burdens, responsibilities, commitments and so forth ON the employee and avoiding having to deal with the employee in any meaningful way at all.

It began with the "finding your own apartment" rubbish that I've been crowing about for at least a couple of years and how easily teachers have been willing to accept this drastic change in employer responsibility.

Now it seems to be moving to other levels such as finding your own fictitious invitation to KSA. What can I say. If you guys are willing to accept anything that is tossed your way, I'm just a voice calling out in the desert.

Lord T · Joined: 07 Jul 2015 Posts: 285

Siobhan 22 · Joined: 13 Jul 2016 Posts: 170

I was asked to find the same kind of employer/sponsor by The European Centre in Jubail.

Apparently there is a simple template which needs to be filled and stamped to be given to the Saudi Embassy.

Problem is I couldn't think of anyone in the UK who had a small business.
I was told anything with the word 'Consulting' in the title would do.

However, when the prospective empoyer in KSA sent me the terms and conditions for holidays (1.5 days for every month worked) and for 11500SAR I decided it wasn't worth the hassle.

marklor · Joined: 27 Apr 2017 Posts: 24

Thank you for all the helpful replies.
Nomad Soul I think that I must have been there as a sponsored visitor alright as it was a bit legally dubious. However, at least with the shady agency the process was quick- I flew into Bahrain, some visa rep met me the next day and after a few hours I was on my merry way across the causeway. Now to get a full Employee Visa by the book, apparently I have to get a medical and police check which may necessitate me traveling back to Europe at considerable expense. Sad

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

There are the desperate who will comply with these lunatic requests. Aswe speak someone in Bradford of Leicester is probably setting up a company for the sole purpose of producing these documents.

marklor · Joined: 27 Apr 2017 Posts: 24

scot47 I think the company were wrong about the visa I needed. They now want me to get a Work visa as opposed to the Business Visa. I'd prefer to go there on a sponsored Visit Visa as it would be cheaper and faster. Problem is that it would be technically illegal for me to work then. So now I may have to fly back to the olde country in order to get all the necessary documents at considerable expense in terms of time and money. Its a heck of a gamble, but its a heck of a job so hence the desperation.

hash · Joined: 17 Dec 2014 Posts: 456 Location: Wadi Jinn

Charlie123 · Joined: 11 Nov 2008 Posts: 146

I wonder what would happen if you asked your cousin to write you a letter inviting you to move to KSA? It sounds like a silly formality that just needs to be checked off.

Or maybe Sperling can write it...or even Mr Kalgugshi.

hash · Joined: 17 Dec 2014 Posts: 456 Location: Wadi Jinn

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Foo_Fighters_Dave · Joined: 09 Dec 2016 Posts: 162

Its a heck of a gamble, but its a heck of a job so hence the desperation.

If you mind me asking, what are the benefits? If they are making you do all of these things, it must be paying really well or have loads of vacation time.

What type of visa do you need? You have mentioned two thus far.

Siobhan 22 · Joined: 13 Jul 2016 Posts: 170

Travelling home for the work visa plus transport etc. (esp. during the peak summer) is off-putting to say the least.

Even reputable employers like KFUPM state in their contract that Iqama fees are not reimbursed. (However, if you're lucky enough to get a position there, you're likely to stay more than a few months, hence the initiasl outlay will be worth it).

For most people, forking out all that dosh and putting in the time only for something to happen during the probationary period is quite a high risk, hence the business visa route has more mercenary appeal.