Job Discussion Forums

powerpuffgirl · Joined: 10 Jan 2011 Posts: 24 Location: UK

I have recently heard that the Saudi consulates will no longer routinely grant visas to accompanying husband and children of female teachers offered direct hire / employment visa positions in KSA, even if a visa authorisation letter is sent by the employer to the consulate, the consulate may still refuse.

Has anyone had any first hand experience of this recently?

Wilsonthefarmer · Posted: Wed May 29, 2013 9:54 pm Post subject:

Why don't you ask the Saudi consulate in London? They will answer your query.

I have never heard that the Saudi consulate has refused visa to dependants of a candidate (male or female) who hold a work visa for the Magic Kingdom.
The only case where they refuse the visa is when the couples do not have an official marriage certificate.

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

A British friend of mine joined in January of this year as a direct hire with a government uni; both her husband and child came with her. (Hubby doesn't work.) But visa regulations can and do change. I agree with the other poster---you should check with the consulate in your home country. You might also ask your HR contact for assistance.

powerpuffgirl · Joined: 10 Jan 2011 Posts: 24 Location: UK

I did call the Saudi Consulate London and they said they can refuse to issue visas for families " it depends on the papers" which was a surprise for me as in 2007 and 2011 my family were given visas for my previous and current jobs. I posted the question here as I wanted to gauge how common this might be now.

I called the Consulate as my prospective employer said in their experience with the Consulate I would need to arrive in KSA first , get my iqama and my family would have to come later, which I cant do as my youngest is only 14 months old. They are doing their bit by sending a visa authorisation letter for my family but the final decision rests with the Consulate.

I know this commonly happens to people employed through agencies, but direct hire now?

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

Wilsonthefarmer · Posted: Thu May 30, 2013 10:29 pm Post subject:

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Wilson, you expect to understand "the rules" ? Come on, do not be so naive !
The basic premise of the KSA game is that participants are not allowed to know the rules.