Job Discussion Forums

BajaLaJaula · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 267

Anyone have experience sponsoring your own wife and kids once you get your iqama? Employer is only offering single status iqama. Theoretically, one could sponsor their family once they get their iqama. Paying for costs and tickets yourself of course. How difficult is it to sponsor on your own without your companies help?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Have you ever visited the "Jawazat" ? That is the office that deals with iqamas. Go and have a look for yourself.

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

BajaLaJaula · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 267

Scot,
Hypothetically speaking, if you were offered two jobs in Saudi. One that paid less but included accomodation and iqama for family members, but only about 55K. And the other with single status iqama but a higher salary, let's say 75K. Would you choose the lower paying salary?
Is the idea of not having to do all of the paper work and go to the ministry office yourself worth the loss of a higher paying job?
Given your experience, which would you choose?
1. More money, but no guarantee that iqama will be issued for family and a big headache trying to do it yourself, or
2. Less money, but Saudi sponsor will handle all the visa and iqama issues for you.
We are assuming here that you would want your family with you and that you would do whatever it takes, even pay a bribe or two to get them over there.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 6:11 pm Post subject:

Dear BajaLaJaula,

" . . . you would do whatever it takes, even pay a bribe or two to get them over there."

A risky business. Try it on the wrong person and you could end up in jail and then deported.

I knew someone who tried it on the wrong person. I wonder where he ever ended up?

Regards,
John

Muhammed Abbas Khan · Joined: 04 Jan 2011 Posts: 73

Sponsoring a spouse and children has more to do with your occupation as detailed on your iqama. Your salary is also an important factor in securing sponsorship. I am not one hundred per cent sure, maybe others can clarify, but I think you need to obtain a letter from your employer detailing your salary. As a western expatriate there are generally few difficulties in obtaining sponsorship for one's family. Assuming, that you are a teacher and not for example a labourer, driver or a maid. Secondly, that your salary is of an amount which allows you to support a family. There should really be no problems with you obtaining sponsorship for your family. You can also have an agent apply on your behalf.

Regards,

Abbas

BajaLaJaula · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 267

Thanks for your response Muhammed. Your reply seems reasonable. And there may be agencies that help with that getting necessary paperwork ready. The job I am applying for would allow me a salary to support a family.

Muhammed Abbas Khan · Joined: 04 Jan 2011 Posts: 73

I would suggest taking a direct hire position over that of an agency or recruiter. Particularly if you are planning to be in KSA for a long period of time. You should also take in to consideration the medical cover offered by a family status sponsor as opposed to a single status sponsor who obviously will not provide medical cover for any of your family. In addition, you should also consider the education allowance offered by any prospective employer in KSA as this can take a considerable chunk from what once had seemed like a good salary. This of course depends on whether or not your children are of school going age.
Regards,
Abbas

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

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Baja
I do not know you or your family and the circumstances. Why would you seek advice from an unknown stranger on the internet ?

BajaLaJaula · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 267

Isn't that the point of this forum...to seek information from others with experience in these matters. Otherwise, what are we doing here? Just throwing out one-liners for the sake of humor?
Whether or not I choose to follow your advice is entirely up to me.
Thanks to those that have shared. As a professional educator with multiple degrees and over 17 years experience in Ed, I will consider your helpful advice along with that of my family and friends to make a decision about whether or not to take the single or multiple status jobs.

johnslat · Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 1:06 pm Post subject:

Dear BajaLaJaula,

Unfortunately, sometimes people ask questions here when they have already pretty much made up their minds as to what they are going to do.

What they seek is not so much information as any confirmation that their plans are viable.

If you are a direct hire teacher, getting your family to Saudi will likely be easier, though it almost certainly will not be easy.

If you've gone through recruiter/contractor, it will be much harder.

If you try to do it on your own, it will be even much harder - virtually impossible.

Good luck and all the best.
John

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

johnslat · Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 6:43 pm Post subject:

Dear sickleyman,

"It is just time consuming and, perhaps depending on your viewpoint, a little expensive. It may take a few months and cost a few thousand riyals here and the price of medicals and flights back home.

Oh, it's THAT easy.

As for the rest, I'm happy for the person you saw it happen to. And I hope
BajaLaJaula is as fortunate. It'd be really nice if he/she could come onto Dave's after the process is complete and let everyone know just how helpful your advice was.

Regards,
John