Job Discussion Forums

[usool]

Hello

Has anybody recently applied for a work visa from the Saudi Embassy in London with a previous Saudi visa in their passport? Did they ask for a letter of no-objection?

Regards and best wishes

Muhammad

[Cleopatra]

I know you're asking a question rather than wanting to answer one, but when were you last working in the Kingdom?

Whatever your answer, so far as I know the policy regarding NOCs is as clear as mud. There have recently been posts here (do a search) suggesting that the NOC requirement has been abolished, but even if this is true, that does not necessarily mean that the news has filtered down to the staff in each Saudi Embassy. I applied for a visa at the London embassy about a year ago, having terminated a position with an employer who refused to give me a NOC. I got around this sticking point in the time-honoured fashion of 'losing' my passport. The trouble with this method is that not all employers will agree to take somebody on if they do not have the coveted NOC in hand, which brings us back to your original question...

[Stephen Jones]

The short answer is nobody knows what the law is. Those who had finished their contracts may well be able to transfer iqama despite the objections of the ex-employer. On the other hand some embassies, such as the one in Manila, have been told to insist on NOCs. On the other hand the last info we had from the Saudi embassy in London a couple of years back was that they weren't interested in them :)

[BattleAxe]

The easiest solution; request it in your contract or don't take the position.

[canadashirleyblue]

It probably depends on who wants you in Saudi.

If by chance you have dual citizenship that could be helpful.

Otherwise best to lose your passport and avoid the hastle.

[Cleopatra]