Job Discussion Forums

McBrainiac · Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 61 Location: Somewhere warm

I've been offered a job with the IPA in Riyadh. The length of time it will take to get a police clearance from the FBI these days is mind boggling, and will either delay my arrival in KSA for months, or prevent me from going altogether Crying or Very sad

. Anyone having the same problem or found a way around it?

Thanks

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

McBrainiac,
I had the same problem over 4 years ago and I am from Canada! I am currently working for IPA and was delayed almost 3 months before arriving to Riyadh in mid October.

Yes, it was extrememly frustrating and I nearly threw in the towel.

I eventually talked the IPA into writing a letter to the Saudi Embassy stating they would take responsibility until the formal police report arrived. I think I also submitted a local police report that you should beable to get at your local police station. They finger print you and do a check. However this is not what the Saudi Embassy wants, but it is better than nothing along with a letter from IPA stating that they will accept responsibility for you until the real FBI police report arrives and to have it mailed to IPA or the Saudi Embassy.

It's been over 4 years now since I had to jump through those hoops so my memory is somewhat vague recalling the events.

Persistence and patience will eventually pay off. If you know you have a clean record, then you should try to get IPA to write a letter to the Saudi Embassy stating the dilema and that they will take responsibility for you while the report arrives.

If you want, PM me your name and I can talk to the Dean and try to get the him to understand your situation. Maybe they can work something out that will get you here sooner than later.

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

When I started processing for the IPA in Jeddah in 1994 I went down to the local police station in Audubon, New Jersey and got a local jurisdictional police clearance. I don't know if they checked any national database of villains...but their letter said "no criminal record in this jurisdiction." and that was good enough. Are the Saudis requiring FBI clearance now?

007 · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 9:19 am Post subject:

McBrainiac · Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 61 Location: Somewhere warm

I was told by the Saudi embassy just a couple of days ago that only a local clearance was necessary, FWIW. I had no clue that there was anything BUT an FBI clearance, as that is what was necessary years ago to get permanent residence in another country I was working in. All this is very frustrating. Best to all and thanks for the advice!

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

This means there is no change from when I did it in 1994. A police clearance means just that--police, unless you're told otherwise.

gharwell1 · Joined: 21 Oct 2004 Posts: 48

Just go down to your local Police Department ad ask them to do a warrant search. They do it and it takes about five minutes. They then give you a piece of paper saying you are not wanted and that's it. I have never needed anything more for jobs in Saudi.