Job Discussion Forums

[demitrescou]

Is it the norm to use a visa agency for jobs in Saudi or is it best to go at it alone?

Much appreciated.

[robbie_davies]

[nomad soul]

I believe it depends on the employer. For example, if you're a direct-hire with a Saudi government employer, the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission assists in processing your visa packet (if that's still the case) and handles your flight booking---all free of charge exclusive of the consulate's visa processing fees and mailing costs.

However, if your sponsor is a Saudi company, you may have no choice as to who initiates the facilitation of your visa application process---that is, using a pricey visa agent versus submitting the docs on your own, which is much less costly but likely to be a headache. Despite the costs, visa agents are generally a good route to go; this is their specialty, plus, they also have a working relationship with the consulate personnel.

[sicklyman]

the issue here is that it should be as hassle free to you as possible. Using a visa agency makes the process far, far easier and, if you go with the right agency, guarantees a smooth and successful process.

And bear in mind that you should not be out of pocket for this with any decent employer. Sure, you might have to bear the high cost up front in many cases, but you should see that refunded to you at some point early on in the job. And that should include any travel for the medical etc.

No refund? I'd say that was an employer not worth working for.

[babur]

If your employer can't arrange your visa, meaning they're already trying to recruit you on the cheap, FORGET the job, especially if you're on a US passport.

[shebab]

As a direct hire to a private university, I made the mistake of hiring the A Briggs visa agency. My paperwork never left their bureaucratic purgatory after several weeks until I drove down to DC, waited for the agency to open that morning, and physically wrested my paperwork from them and personally deliver it to the Saudi Cultural Mission in Virginia. The agency insisted that they had to go through the Saudi Embassy, which was a complete lie.

Be very careful before you spend money on an agency to do more than authenticate your diplomas!

[billings]

By far the best (and only slightly more expensive) is Harley Medical in London. Do a google search - but great service and very reliable, efficient, organised!

[intrepid traveler]

[rdobbs98]

The agencies are useless and actually charge too much for what they actually do. One told me they had connections and turned out they didn't know any better than I did and the Saudis didn't listen any better than to me. Actually the Saudis listened to me more and worked with me.

Enjaz is not the difficult once know that you have to use all caps, upload the photo under 5 kb, and use IE Explorer and turn off certain things. All of this is on the internet.

I did the entire thing and wasn't a problem other than basically lazy embassy and cultural mission staff who barely work 4 hours a day and leave your stuff sit for weeks.

[nomad soul]

[intrepid traveler]

I received prompt attention and direct correspondence from the SACM. I had my visa within 2 weeks of sending in my passport.

[DLIguy]