Job Discussion Forums

[fridgemagnet]

Hi

Once you receive your iqama, are you allowed to travel internationally during holidays, mid semester breaks, or even weekends? What is the process for this?

[nomad soul]

Once you have your iqama in hand and know your travel dates, you'd need to request an exit/reentry visa from the company's HR department. The employer's authorization is required and is at their discretion (apparently, some companies only give approval for long holidays but not for weekends). Your HR department will let you know what they need from you in order for them to process your exit/reentry visa. These visas are usually hassle-free and quick to process (less than 10 days).

[baa_baa]

Yes yes. You can even go to gcc countries with your iqama. You just need an exit reentry. You need to get it done a head of time.

Keep an eye on saudia airlines they have the cheapest fares. During breaks they make great packages Bon voyage!!

[baa_baa]

[scot47]

Has anyone travelled within GCC using an Iqama ?

[baa_baa]

[coder]

delete

[baa_baa]

6 month exit reentry- becareful you may have that much time but for an example I only know for Dubai, you can't stay more than 29 days. On the 30 th day they they make you pay 100 as a fine.

You can pay for your visa online or phone app. SO much easier. The arms are too crowded and it too hot to wait. We don't have to present a receipt.

Filipino idea. I love it!!! How much would you pay him? Would he do my cooking? I hate cooking. I don't mind cleaning. Can he drive me around. Would he have a car? Is it clean and not smelly. How did you find him? Someone you know or did you use Sth like dubizzle? I love that he could teach on behalf of us.

[fridgemagnet]

Thank you all for your responses.

[SheikMilkShake]

[b]Before arrival,[/b]1. ask your employer the numberS and emailS of the teacherS who you would stay with. Send email to say Hi and if you get response, just confirm their numbers and arrange time to call them, to say Hi and that you are arriving etc. No need to ask many Qs or discuss any thing about workplace at this stage as you are a new comer.
[b]Arrival at Airport[/b]
1. You can exchange your money into Saudi Riyals, at airport Exchange counters that are open when you arrive.
2. If you weren't met at the airport, call the numbers of the teachers to let the mangers know to pick you up.
3.It would be good for you to wear abaya, no need to cover hair, put the scarf around your neck.
No shorts for men, jeans or normal long trousers, and long or short sleeve shirt will do.
[b]During first 2-3 months[/b]
Not allowed overseas trip, as your passport will be with your employer processing iqama. They will give you a copy of your passport's first page, and a letter stating that they are processing yr iqama , signed by manager and stamped by company. You can travel domestically.
[b]After 3 months[/b]
you get your iqama, then your employer will guide you to open bank account. With iqama, a letter from employer and open your bank account.
Then , you can buy SIM cards with your iqama, because your iqama number is needed to top up your phone credit for prepaid SIMS. you can set up a post paid Mobile and landline, direct deposited by bank account.
You can pay your exit/entry visa fees ( don't know how much) and also phone bill from your internet banking. If you make prank calls or any activity, they can trace you through your iqama. No one will give you their iqama numbers to buy SIMS, because you need their iqama number every time you load new credit. You can register on line to MOI and MOL website so that you can see your employer information, your iqama status.
You bank account or MOL or MOI website will need your phone number that is connected under your iqama number and they will send you PIN number every time you log onto accounts. No one can access your accounts without your phone and iqama number.
If you don't want to open a bank account, you must do as MOL want to see employer pays you monthly through bank account as record. It is a law.

[b]exit entry visa[/b]
Apply for approval to get mutli exit/entry visa and it is valid as your iqama's. If your employer refuses, complain to labor court. It is your rights.
Now, employers must issue iqama for 6 years (annual renewal or bi-annually) to ALL expats, so basically one expat can work up to 6 years only in KSA these days. Employers cannot fire you OR they must pay total 6 years compensation or any period remaining on your iqama. OR they must let you find a new employer to transfer, if you have not used up your 6 year period of iqama. If employer refused to pay or refuse to let you transfer after firing you or abusing you ( saying you are not liked, you are not up to their standard etc,), take them to Labor court. Expats have the right to get their iqama transfer to a new employer if the employer or anyone from them verbally or physically abuse/assault you.
For work, men need to wear a tie, ( no jacket but you can bring one), 3 long /short sleeves shirts, No jeans, 3 pairs of pants blue or khaki or black. and leather shoes, no sneakers to work,. the rest you can buy. if you see others are wearing more appropriate , you can get it in KSA.
Women, follow the ladies' advice.

[SheikMilkShake]

you can pay for visa fees from ATM but why not through internet form home? People say that Saudi ATMs are known to eat cards.. many foreigners complain that the screen says " temply out of order, contact your bank" for fees payment.

You may print out your own exit /Entry visa but you need approval from your employer by first making a request ( you might have your own vacation form at your work place). Remember they cannot deny your request as long as you travel during weekend and vacation.
Remember, your employer can see your MOI/MOL activity as you can see theirs related to your iqama number. They need to click a service to let your pint your own exit/entry but it may not be done.
HR might approve and print it for you through their online service. No need to show the fees payment to employer as your iqama number , your account is connected. Your employer will know that your paid fees under your iqama number and it will show on MOI website under your funds.

[veiledsentiments]

Here is a general question for those of you in Saudi. When you travel from the kingdom, do you take your iqama with you or do you leave it in your flat or with your employer?

As I recall, when I traveled from Oman, I left my labor card at home and just traveled on my passport - that had my multiple entry work/residence visa stamped inside. I wouldn't carry it with me for fear I would lose it overseas somewhere.

VS

[baa_baa]

those dumbuts HR took mine. When I went to the airport they didnt let me on the plane. though I had a copy with a stamp.

so now I fight with them each time and keep it.

[The Fifth Column]

[veiledsentiments]

That is the process that I recall, FC...

But, I hadn't heard of requiring the iqama at the airport for a holiday departure.

VS