Job Discussion Forums

J.M.A. · Joined: 20 Jan 2009 Posts: 69

How long did it take for your work visa to be emitted? Is the process relatively fast? Are there any Canadians who went through this? Thanks.

kaw · Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 6:51 am Post subject:

The visa process depends on who you work for and the contacts they have. It can take anything from 4 weeks to ........................ who knows for sure - up to 16 weeks in some cases.
Not sure about the Canadian issue, know someone who's going through the system, should have had the paperwork done by now but due to the incompetence of the oganisation they are working for has had to go right back to the beginning. Altogether, they're probably looking at 6 months.....

J.M.A. · Joined: 20 Jan 2009 Posts: 69

6 months? Talk about putting your life on hold...

kaw · Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 2:33 pm Post subject:

It isn't the initial visa application that's the problem - getting the 'magic number' takes a couple of weeks. The problem comes when you're trying to get your residency and therefore a way of getting out of the country.

J.M.A. · Joined: 20 Jan 2009 Posts: 69

Ah, so your colleague got his magic number and was able to enter Lybia after a couple of weeks? And he is currently waiting for his residency visa while working in Lybia? Or is he still in Canada? Forgive me if I'm sounding obtuse, I just want to make sure I understand the situation clearly. Your knowledge is much appreciated btw.

kaw · Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 7:05 am Post subject:

The number came through quickly and my colleague came over......the residency process began.....then was stopped and they are now back in the UK (it was a choice of there or Canada) waiting for a new magic number to be issued. They can then come back to Libya and the whole process for residency starts again.
It is a tedious process as there are no real policies in place and it relies upon the people dealing with it in immigration not to be having extended tea breaks, death in the family etc.

J.M.A. · Joined: 20 Jan 2009 Posts: 69

mm interesting. This info helps me out a lot.

sharter · Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 878 Location: All over the place

The situation for UK people became harder as of December 2008.

1-Employer applies for a visa and sends request letter.
2-You have to go to the Embassy in Ennismore Gardens in person and submit fingure prints and paperwork....ie you have to get the paperwork first.You can only go to the embassy on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and register between 10am and 10.30am.
3-They send your passport back to you.

On average it takes about 2 months for the first visa from 1 to 3.

Should you require a medical, it's pretty comprehensive in some cases, but varies.

The oil company I work for also wanted 10 years' of written references on headed paper and would not accept email addresses and phone numbers.

Ridiculous really in the modern world.

beachtime · Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Posts: 35 Location: somewhere different

Hi, I am the Canadian that had to go through the visa process. Obtaining the visa initially was quick - less than 3 weeks. Problem was the company I was working for didn't bother to process the residency, my visa expired, then I had to leave to start the process all over again. The company I was with were not playing the game straight, and I am no longer with them. If you want to find out more, let me know.

Rawdata · Joined: 22 Jan 2009 Posts: 34 Location: State of Confusion

Hi beachtime and others,

I'm also looking at Libya as an alternative to the GCC.
Does anyone know about age limits for that country?
I read on another post that a certain recruiter only wanted people less than 50 y.o.
Is that the recruiters preferences or is it Libyan national policy?
If its the latter, I won't waste my time.

Whatever you can tell me about recruiters would also be greatly appreciated.
If anyone is troubled by naming names on the forum, you can PM me.
I had started looking for people, places to apply to and did not see much so yes do PM me if you have good info.

In passing does anyone know if British Council hires only UK nationals?
For example CNA- in Qatar is a Canadian org. and they only hire Canadians at the professional (overseas hire) level.

Regards
RD

beachtime · Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Posts: 35 Location: somewhere different

Hi rawdata,
I cannot PM you - if you PM me, I can provide some up to date info for you.

Rawdata · Joined: 22 Jan 2009 Posts: 34 Location: State of Confusion

beachtime · Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Posts: 35 Location: somewhere different

Hi Rawdata,
The upper age limit for a visa is somewhat dependent upon who you are working for. I know there is one company that put the age at 52 for the desert. I am much older than that, and got the visa with no problem.
Regarding your question about BC in Tripoli.. I was told that they will only process a UK visa for their location. I have since found out that other BC locations around the world MAY process other passports. I have a Canadian passport, with British status, and it was acceptable at other locations.
When you can PM, drop me a line for further info.

Rawdata · Joined: 22 Jan 2009 Posts: 34 Location: State of Confusion

Hi Beachtime,

I'm also Canadian and also well above 52.
It'' be a while before I can PM u since it requires 25 posts.
Will do ASAP
Thanks
RD

beachtime · Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Posts: 35 Location: somewhere different

Hi RW,
Not a problem, I think 25 postings will be accomplished quite quickly. If you have Right of Abode for the UK, it can speed up your visa process in some instances.