Job Discussion Forums

simon44 · Joined: 15 Mar 2013 Posts: 118

I'm British. When I was teaching in Thailand some years ago, I applied for a job in KSA and was offered employment. But the employment agency then told me that I would have to return back to the UK to apply for the visa.

I'm not sure if this is a general policy re applying for a KSA visa, or if it is specific to Thailand, (due to the Blue Diamond case many years ago).

I'm working in Myanmar now, but might be tempted to apply for KSA jobs if I'm not required to return to the UK first. (No, I'm not a wanted criminal in the UK, but I can imagine the scenario of paying to go back to the UK, then waiting months for a visa to KSA and then maybe having the job offer withdrawn).

Anyone know the real situation re this? Thanks

currentaffairs · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 828

To go over with a proper work visa you would have to go back to your home country and wait.. The guys I am working with had to typically wait around 6-12 months from signing the contract (start date is usually a few months after signing a contract and add the inevitable delays to that start date).

If you go over on a visit visa then you would get over here much faster but you would probably be on very low wages and be working for a dodgy contractor.

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

simon44 · Joined: 15 Mar 2013 Posts: 118

Yes, I'm aware of that retirement age - and it might indeed be a bar to my plans.

Arenta · Joined: 24 Jul 2016 Posts: 125

Some jobs employ people on a business visa. This is for jobs in the Dammam area, East KSA which means going to Bahrain to renew the visa every few weeks. Apparently it's very easy to do as Bahrain is nearby. The employer should pay the costs of renewal and accommodation costs. I think the process usually only takes about a day.

Lord T · Joined: 07 Jul 2015 Posts: 285

The advice you are being given is, in my experience, correct: you either have to go through a long, but legal process to secure a 'real' job, or you come over immediately and work for a dodgy contractor that pays appallingly-low wages.

Your age may be an issue when applying for the 'real' job, but won't be should you choose to work for a contractor.

In fact, the contractors don't often bother to check your age, health, character, qualifications, or stated experience.

They are prepared to hire almost anyone because one way or another, they will make money out of you.

Good luck!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Applying for a visa from Myanmar couild be difficult. Relations between that country and Saudi Arabia are not amicable.