Job Discussion Forums

EnglishDoYouSpeakIt · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 151 Location: Saudi Arabia

In Riyadh Avis rents cars. You just need a license and your passport/visa. Not sure which country licenses work. I know UK and USA do. It's more expensive than the local renters, but with those you need an Iqama. A buddy claims that in Qassim you can rent from local places without an Iqama.

I think I used Al Rajhi bank to send money home. Not sure. The logo had blue on it. But that isn't the only bank where you don't need an iqama to send money home. You fill out some paper work (have your account info ready) and pay like 70 Riyals.

I was told by my Saudi friend that since I didn't have a Saudi license or a iqama cops couldn't give me tickets. The closest I got to testing the theory was when I was pulled over for driving and cell phone chatting on the ring road. Luckily it was just a warning.

Everyone here seems to think going without an Iqama is equatable to being stuffed into a slave ship, but I didn't find it like that at all.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 11:38 pm Post subject:

Dear EnglishDoYouSpeakIt.

Perhaps because of threads such as this one:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=83766&highlight=iqama

and the Search function will show others.

And, of course, there is the fact that it's illegal:

"A client who asks you to send your employees to Saudi Arabia using business visas instead is asking you to break the law � it is very important to ensure that correct and compliant immigration procedures are discussed early on in the agreement process and before any contracts are signed."

Regards,
John

EnglishDoYouSpeakIt · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 151 Location: Saudi Arabia

It does say "Not Permitted to Work," right on the visa. But I've had cops look at it and ask me why I'm there, and I told them 'English Doctor' and there were no problems.

Even first entering the country the customs agent was staring at my visa while I told him I was there to work as a teacher and he didn't blink.

Illegal workers are pretty standard in Saudi Arabia, just like most other developed countries. I'm pretty sure if anything does happen it would be the company who is reprimanded and if anything you'd just be sent home.

Honestly with the rigmarole of getting an iqama I'd choose visit visa every time. ESPECIALLY if you are a new teacher and got an offer in Saudi, take the chance on the visa, it's a great place for experience, I think. Plus why make 1800 dollars a month in SoKo (take home much less)when you can bank 2 grand a month in Saudi?

johnslat · Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 2:18 am Post subject:

Dear EnglishDoYouSpeakIt,

"I'm pretty sure if anything does happen it would be the company who is reprimanded and if anything you'd just be sent home."

I suspect the company could have more wasta than an illegal teacher.

I always had an iqama during my time there, so I can't say for sure. But I'm
inclined to believe that knowing I was in Saudi illegally just might make my stay there even less pleasant and possibly more stressful than "normal" - which could be stressful enough even when "legal."

Oh, I suppose the chances are actually ending up in jail are pretty remote, but having seen the inside of a Saudi prison (not, thank Allah, as a "guest" but as a visitor - one of our teachers ended up there for being drunk and others matters,) and having taught in penitentiaries here in the States, I can say that I'd rather spend a year in the slammer here than a week in a Saudi one.

But then, perhaps I'm only more of a worry-wart than some others.

Regards,
John

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 12:31 pm Post subject:

Valaki · Joined: 17 Aug 2010 Posts: 85 Location: Japan

Hi guys it's me again (thread OP).

Just to quickly update you I've been sending out resumes to all the institutions you recommended but haven't gotten any serious offers yet (except for the business visa / shared accommodation one).

If you have any further tips to spice up my resume that would great. I'm thinking maybe I should refer to myself as being half American (which is, actually, half true...). This non-native thing could be affecting me.

Also, I've run out places I can apply to, is there any news on recent openings in Saudi?

Thanks as always.

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

A non-native speaking European with almost no experience... I'd say that very likely your only option is to take one of the bottom feeder business visa jobs to get some experience on the CV.

The first job is always difficult and compromises are often required.

VS

dutchman · Joined: 10 Mar 2010 Posts: 84

Did you apply to KSU / Bell? They require a BA, CELTA + 2 years of experience. Maybe your MA will compensate for your lack of experience.

I guess it's also not the best time of the year to apply for Saudi jobs. When does the recruiting time start for employees starting in January / February?

Valaki · Joined: 17 Aug 2010 Posts: 85 Location: Japan

VS: I'm not sure they would even know where the country I'm from is hehe, let alone the language spoken. Besides, I'm a white male and the Magic Kingdom is the only place in the world where that's an advantage:))))

Dutchman: Actually I haven't looked at that, thanks. How are you BTW? PM me!