Job Discussion Forums

gorkomi · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 142

If I'm in my first three months and receive my Iqama, but want to leave (during the first three months)... what happens? Can I go back home and get a different job in Saudi Arabia for August or am I owned by this company because they got me an iqama?

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

What does your contract state?

gorkomi · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 142

You mean the contract they forged for me while I was in Canada? I've never signed one, not even upon arrival.

johnslat · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 12:56 am Post subject:

Dear Gorkomi,

I guess somebody signed it, and it might be pretty difficult to prove it wasn't you. What could happen? Well, you'd almost certainly have to pay your airfare. Moreover, most contacts require notice (2 or 3 months) if you want to terminate. Assuming you give that, there's at least a possibility that your short stay might prejudice other Saudi employers from hiring you. Even if you don't include it on your resume, your passport number is now "in the system."

Regards,
John

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

BajaLaJaula · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 267

You will not be able to get another gig in Saudi for 2 years after you leave. If not a problem for you....then buy your ticket and hope your employer allows you (grants you) an exit only visa. If not, you are stuck there until they finally decide to let you go.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Many employers expect you to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) also called a LONO (Letter of No Objection) from previous employers. These were supposed to be phased out but...........

To leave you need an exit visa. Really skanky employers can make problems with that. You could wait till vacation time, go on holiday and "forget" to come back. You might have problems with other employers after that.

johnslat · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 1:08 pm Post subject:

Dear gorkomi,

"You could wait till vacation time, go on holiday and "forget" to come back. You might have problems with other employers after that."

You'd need to get a new passport.

Regards,
John

cultofpersonality · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 94

You should be able to leave in your probation period, at any time, depending on what your contract states.

However, there will probably be difficulties, especially as you are effectively breaching the terms of your contract. For your next visa you will need a final exit document or a letter of no objection otherwise you have to wait. You are definitely paying for your own ticket home.

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

johnslat · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 12:55 pm Post subject:

Dear sicklyman,

". . . along with new retinas and fingerprints"

Has the e-gate technology been extended throughout the Kingdom now? I know they've been using it for Hajj pilgrims since 2002.

October 2013

"At the King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, iris recognition tracks and identifies the entry and exit of visitors on pilgrimage for the Hajj season of worship. The process includes a random check at passport control, database enrollment, and subsequent identification on departure. The systems ensure that visitors do not overstay their visas and also identify potential security threats."

Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Can they use the new system to track you down ? I doubt it !

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

dunno about the rest of the country but they collect biodata at Dammam... which means getting through immigration can take up to 3 hours in a queue... Crying or Very sad

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I too, have used Dammam Airport and experienced some delays ! I still preferred it to Bahrain with its bars and harlots, though.

johnslat · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:36 pm Post subject:

Dear sicklyman,

You wrote that they collect data - do you mean from the biodata on the passport? If so, where do the fingerprints and retinal scans come in?

"The proposed U.S. Electronic Passport is the same as a regular passport with the addition of a small contactless integrated circuit (computer chip) embedded in the back cover. The chip will securely store the same data visually displayed on the photo page of the passport, and will additionally include a digital photograph. The inclusion of the digital photograph will enable biometric comparison, through the use of facial recognition technology at international borders. The U.S. “e-passport” will also have a new look, incorporating additional anti-fraud and security features."

Or do you mean that they collect everyone's fingerprints and do a retinal scan upon entry?

Regards,
John