Job Discussion Forums

meyanga · Joined: 02 Mar 2008 Posts: 103 Location: Malaysia

Hello everyone,

I have searched and read past posts re what can and cannot be brought into KSA. However, I still have a question....

I have many books by the Dalai Lama - most of which have pictures of him on the cover. I would like to take them with me. I have a company coming to pack up our belongings in a couple of days to ship them off, and, of course, will be bringing a (good) few suitcases on the plane. From what I have read here, it is better to bring things like this yourself by plane. Is this still the case?

This may well be a stupid question....but, if I did happen to be searched, and these books were found, would there be any consequences other than the books being confiscated? Would tearing the covers off help or just arouse suspicion?

I also have many DVDs, harmless, (many are kids stuff) but illegally downloaded. They just look like blank DVDs/CDs - again - possible consequences?

Would also like to know if the iqama is absolutely necessary to register children in a school or nursery. If so, what have other parents done (when both are working) with their little ones when waiting? Can't imagine finding someone I would trust with my kids in the first few days.

Would really appreciate any advice. Before anyone asks, I really have serached past posts, but haven't found answers to my specific questions. Smile

Thanks

Meyanga Very Happy

007

meyanga · Joined: 02 Mar 2008 Posts: 103 Location: Malaysia

sheikh radlinrol · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 1222 Location: Spain

johnslat · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 11:27 pm Post subject:

Dear Mayanga,
You shouldn't have any problems (and I say "shouldn't" rather than "won't" only because there's always a chance in a million that you'll run into a jerk at Customs.)
I'd bring in everything you mentioned and never worry about it. Heck, I even brought in "An Idiot's Guide to Islam" once (and I suppose that could have offended someone.) And when they're selling "American Psycho" openly at Jarir bookstore, well, it's hard to see what WOULD cause problems.
Regards,
John

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

They don't seem to check books or computers at Customs any more. That said I left the book on Buddhism by Pankaj Mishra that I had got from Amazon in Sri Lanka.

trapezius · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 12:12 am Post subject:

Meyanga, you are right about the [public] lack of religious freedom, so therefore, religious scriptures of other religions are not officially allowed into the Kingdom. The Dalai Lama's books are not about religion per se, and are definitely not scriptures. My wife brought some of his books back here after her trip to India, so they are fine. And I think they are even available in bookstores here. Perhaps, it is better to carry them with you on the plane.

Illegally downloaded DVDs and CDs are fine as well. The government might be forced [by recording/movie studios] to take a tougher stand against them in the future, but right now no one cares.

As for enrolling your kids in school, I have no experience in this [yet], but my guess would be yes. The Iqama is the document whch shows you are legal in this country, so it is required for opening bank accounts, getting a phone SIM card, buying a car, etc, and I suspect, for enrolling your kids into school as well. If you won't have the Iqama for a while, ask your employer for their help in enrolling your kids into a school. Perhaps an official letter by them indicating your legal status in the country would suffice?

Good luck.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

007 · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 8:32 am Post subject:

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 8:41 am Post subject:

As others have said, you're unlikely to run into any problems.

In the first place, it's rare these days for bags to receive a thorough search at customs - normally, they're just passed through a scanner. Of course, it is possible that the customs officials would insist on doing a full search of your bags, but it's unlikely. Even if this were to happen, I doubt your books would cause any problems, as they are mostly on the look-out for alcohol and other illegal substances. Customs officials are far more likely to raise objections about books or DVDs which show pictures of scantily clad women - chances are most of them won't even know who the Dalia Lama is.

meyanga · Joined: 02 Mar 2008 Posts: 103 Location: Malaysia

Thanks for all the replies.

About the Iqama...what is the average time to wait until you get it? Also, is it only for the person who is working? What I mean is, as my employer has sponsored us to go, is the Iqama only for me, or is it for my husband too? Would my husband be able to open his own bank account, for example?

And now to totally change the subject. My husband is African and has dread locks, about shoulder length. He is not a teacher but works in sports/fitness. We understand that this would pose no problem in the compound, but what about out and about? He dresses respectably etc (I am just trying to explain that his dread locks do not equate to some sort of hippy image!) Laughing

Thanks
Meyanga

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 8:47 am Post subject:

Regarding the iqama, there are two options.

Sometimes 'dependents' get their own iqama, but sometimes they are put on the same iqama as the person who is sponsoring them (ie you). You would have to talk to your employer to get more details about this. Either way, so far as I know your husband would be able to get his own bank account and would have the usual residency 'priviliges'.

As for your husband's appearance, I don't know where you are going in KSA, but anyway I would imagine that his 'long' hair would attract a fair degree of attention anywhere in the Kingdom. It might be an idea for him to tiehis hair in some sort of pony tail when in public.

meyanga · Joined: 02 Mar 2008 Posts: 103 Location: Malaysia

Thanks again for replying.

We are going to Jeddah. When you say "attention" are we simply talking of stares and that sort of thing or worse? Or do you mean negative treatment in a restaurant, for example? Tying it back is no problem.

Thanks
Meyanga Very Happy

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 10:15 am Post subject:

Well, Jeddah is generally considered the most 'liberal' city in KSA, but it is all very relative!

I don't know any foreign men with 'long' hair in KSA, so it's hard for me to be specific. I do know that long hair is not considered 'suitable' for men in KSA and certainly more conservative types would strongly disapprove, although they may not be that concered about obviously non-Saudi men. I really dont' think your husband would be denied entry to a restaurant or other public place because of his hair, but, as I've said, I do think he should tie his hair back so as to minimise the stares etc. However, this is something he will be able to decide for himself once he becomes more familiar with KSA.

007 · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 10:43 am Post subject:

Definitely, long hair will attract attention from the tribes of Jeddah, especially from the brigade of the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vices, known as the Muttaweens!
But, one famous Sheikh told me that men can have long hair but they are not allowed to put it in a ponytail!

One solution for your husband is to wear the traditional thobe (long white dress) and the Gutra to cover his long hair, and nobody will notice his dreadlocks!