Job Discussion Forums

[ghost]

The University which has offered me employment for September in Saudi mentioned that it will take at least 2 months to process the work visa for Saudi.

Unfortunately, I think I will require longer than that because the list of requirements which I have looked at from the Saudi Embassy will take a long time to accomplish, including procuring letters of 'experience' and validating diplomas from the different countries where those diplomas and degrees were earned.

In my case my studies were in Canada and the U.S. so it seems I might have to do a bit of travelling to have those degrees authenticated in the countries where they were earned, as the Saudi Embassy mentions.

Has anyone here had trouble satisfying the requirements for the Saudi work visa and have they ever faced delays because of complications and delays in obtaining the paperwork required?

Thank you.

Ghost

[cmp45]

YES, it took me approx. 6 months from the start to finish of the process. May to October, from the initial acceptance of application to obtaining the visa in my passport! The main reason for delay was the miscomunication between the Canadian -Saudi Embassy and the Saudi college. Also getting the never ending paperwork signed and notarized.

[boundforsaudi]

My American doctor was dismayed by the long list of lab tests required for the physical, some he never heard of. Cost me $1300.

[trapezius]

[Cleopatra]

I'm surprised that you've only just now come to the conclusion that getting a Saudi visa is a time-consuming process, seeing as people on this board have been telling you that for months.

"Delays and complications" are pretty much the norm in applying for a Saudi visa. As cmp said, these usually have to do with miscommunication and/or inefficiency on the part of the embassy and/or your would-be employers. In my years here, I have known very many people whose arrival was delayed - often substantially - because of visa 'complications'. However, nearly everyone manages to get here in the end. The most crucial part of getting a Saudi visa is getting the authorisation code from the MFO in Riyadh, which your sponsor procures on your behalf. Once you've got this, it's very likely that your visa WILL be granted - the only question is how much hassle, frustration and hanging around it might take.

[Stephen Jones]

Who's asking for any letters of experience? Which consulate are you talking about? Last time I applied for the visa they gave it me on the spot after twenty minutes. The only wait was for the medical.

[scot47]

Ghost deals with Ottawa.

[007]

[ghost]

.

Go to the Saudi Embassy in Ottawa and you will see what the requirements are for the 'work visa' to Saudi - the list is long. If there are 'shortcuts' so much the better.

Do different Saudi Embassies have different requirements? It seems some are more straightforward than others?

I will also have to return to Canada this summer to do everything, even though I no longer reside there and have disposed of my apartment in Montreal. Returning and finding temp. employment in Montreal for the months before September will not be easy.

In a way, all these 'requirements' are good, because it shows you that the employer is very serious about the job they are offering you.

The package I will make will compensate, hopefully, for the hassles I will face during the coming months. Saudi, I think, is a good location, almost equidistant between South East Asia and Europe, and parts of East Africa. Good for travel opportunities.

Thanks and I appreciate the feedback.

Ghost

[scot47]

The requirements vary from Embassy to Embassy. And they change.

[cmp45]

[scot47]

Work ? Come on ghost - draw on some of your huge capital reserves and spend !