Job Discussion Forums

[desertsurvivor]

Hi folks,

After completing my 2nd year in Saudi I have been informed that in order to obtain an Iqama, you are required to do the full degree attestation esp if you have been offered a new position and have left your old employers via final exit.

This process can take from between 4-6 weeks and ive heard of people waiting longer.

Some people have been waiting longer than 2 months.

During my previous 2 years at saudi I had the visa within 7 working days..

Alot of change means more delays, what on earth is going on now?

Surely this has to stop.

[nomad soul]

This info was posted nearly a week ago on http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=111599

[veiledsentiments]

Why have I been reading for the last 20 years of constant complaints of how long it takes to get a Saudi visa... how it can take from weeks to months?

And suddenly people are suggesting that this is something new?

Or is it that they are now enforcing all the rules even for the "business/visit/whatever" visas?

VS

[desertsurvivor]

Nomad soul, thanks for the link.

Vieledsentiments- yes this is the new procedure for iqamas as for as I am aware...not sure about business visas.

[plumpy nut]

[Melange]

I am new here so excuse me if I sound a bit naive, but is the process for UK applicants different from the US. I was under the impression that full degree attestation was standard.

[desertsurvivor]

melange,

I'm not sure but in the past, the attestation was completed once in the country.

This is the first time I'm going through this so I'm wanting an input from people so can share their perspective...

It's still pretty vague but this is the feedback I'm getting from the agents who do the visa process in the UK.

[I-forgot]

I've just posted the details for the UK process but, unfortunately, to another thread. Please take a look at the thread about upfront payment for visas and medicals.