Job Discussion Forums

[1400 Years]

Is it true that when an employer in Saudi Arabia such as say, UCJ or KFUPM etc, offers a job to Mr XYZ, it is Mr XYZ�z responsibility to ARRANGE FOR and BUY an iqama? Or is it that the employer arranges for it and ALSO pays for it?

[Cleopatra]

The employee cannot possibly 'arrange' for an Iqama. All paperwork has to be done by the employee's Saudi sponser. As for paying, most sponsers cover the costs of Iqama issuance and renewal, but I have read tales (on this forum) of a few unscupulous employers trying to get the employee to foot the bill. If any potential employer asks you to do this, run a mile.[/u]

[Stephen Jones]

It's the employer's job to arrange it and it should be done quickly (after the appropriate medical tests one week should be more than enough time).

Private sector employers are obliged to pay. The question with the public sector is unclear. The last time the matter arose varying institutions asked for a legal opinion and it was in their favour. Another legal opinion has been asked for under the new labour law.

Frankly the matter seems absurd; why can't the Saudi government simply publicize the regulation for the public sector once and for all?

[james]

1400 years,

I beg to differ with Cleopatra. The Saudi Labor Statute states unambiguously that it is the employers responsibility to pay for iqamas and visas, however, most employers, as a practical matter, ignore the law and require their employees to cough up the cash to pay for these items.

While Cleopatra is correct that employers will prepare and submit the paperwork to obtain a worker's iqama to the proper authorities, they will not reach into their own pocket to pay for iqamas or visas, as the law requires them to do.

Here are two links to the Saudi Labor Law. One is in Arabic if you are able to read Arabic and the other is an English translation. I would direct your attention to the English version, Chapter II, Part 3, Article 40, Provision # 2. This makes it crystal clear.

http://naderlaw.com.sa/books/laborlawenglish.htm

http://naderlaw.com.sa/books/laborlawarabic.htm

Remember....if you stand up for your rights by filing a compaint against your employer with the Labor Commission, your employer might retaliate by firing you for doing substandard work. Is losing your job worth standing up for your rights? It's your call. Good Luck

[Robski]

Well, here at UCJ we have to pay for them.

My understanding is that we shouldn't have to. We have to have one and they have to pay for it. Thing is, the rules are not clearly stated, so it's whatever they say it is.

[scot47]

The Igama costs 500 Saudi Riyals for a year (about US$135).

The legal position is that the employer SHOULD pay, but there are no rules about Modal Verbs in KSA.

[Stephen Jones]

It's article 5 that seems to be clear.

The provisions of this law shall apply to the following:

1-Each contract whereby a person undertakes to work for the account of the employer and under his management and supervision in consideration for a wage.

2-Workmen of the government and general organizations, including those involved with animal husbandry and agriculture.

I fail to see how the previous claim that the law does not apply to government service can be upheld.

[Robski]

It's still whatever the Saudis say it is.

[Stephen Jones]

[abusalam4]