Job Discussion Forums

Robski · Joined: 18 Feb 2007 Posts: 50 Location: Middle Europe

We've been talking about whether these are real or imaginary, and whether they are really needed if they actually exist. For example, do they have a daft system whereby one person says you have to have one and the other says that you can't get one? Who would sign such a thing?

Has anyone ever been asked at the Saudi embassy in Bahrain to produce one?

Shocked

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

The letters actually exist (though whether your employer will give you one is a different matter since there never has been an obligation).

The question is whether you can transfer sponsorship after you have finished your contract, whether an employer can take you from abroad after you have worked for another employer in Saudi and completed your contract, and entirely independent of that whether the embassy in the country you are applying for the visa asks them.

Please let us know.

BattleAxe · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Posts: 9

They are definitely real. I think as expats, we should begin to request them upon completion of our contracts. There should be an explicit statement or clause in the contract that allows us to receive this letter. If all of us requested this then we would indeed see some changes around here.

Cleopatra · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:32 am Post subject:

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

'If all of us requested this then we would indeed see some changes around here.'

AAh so young and so innocent ! Do you really imagine that the Saudis who run things are going to listen to a bunch of poor white EFL teachers ?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

At least ONE government institution is still asking for LONO's. Current ad from KKMMC in Eastern Province insists that they are required.

Other government institutions, which I will not name here routinely refuse to give them !

GabeKessel · Joined: 27 Sep 2004 Posts: 150

Apparently, LONO is required for three years since the person leaves Saudi. If three years are up, I, guess, it is no longer required.

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 9:40 am Post subject:

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The Arab News for 10 November has an interesting piece on LONO/NOC. Basically it says that the legal requirement for them has gone, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed Saudi Embassies to request them from those returning to KSA within one year of departure.

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom.

Cleopatra · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 3:06 pm Post subject:

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Cleo you must know by know that Lewis Carroll should be re-read at regular intervals in order to help us understand what is going on here.

It is an ADMINISTRATVE requirement and has nothing to do with the LAW !

Cleopatra · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 3:29 pm Post subject:

But if the Ministry requires it...?

Oh, you're right, never mind!