Job Discussion Forums

reneebcc · Joined: 26 Jan 2009 Posts: 60 Location: Georgia

I've heard the term "washed passport" a few times but there was no clear explanation. People have questioned alternatives to leaving and entering the kingdom but there is a need to have a clear record. Does "washing" refer to clearing one's visa status from a certain employer? And if so...how does one obtain that, even if he/she wanted to visit Israel and then enter back into the kingdom?

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:57 am Post subject:

Usually the term refers to the procedure teachers are obliged to go through in the not infrequent situation whereby they wish to return to KSA to work for employer B, but employer ! refused them an NOC. By getting a new passport, the Saudi embassy will be unaware of the fact that they recently worked in the Kingdom, and will grant them a new visa.

reneebcc · Joined: 26 Jan 2009 Posts: 60 Location: Georgia

I've read some posts where people got refused into the kingdom. Why would the kingdom refuse a person who's been to Israel especially if that person is on a contract? Are there any other alternatives to gaining entry rather than "not losing" the passport? Wink

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:11 am Post subject:

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 2:47 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the tip, VS..... that's the trouble with posting on multiple forums.... gets confusing at times when you try to make the switch from politics to teaching... and back again!

johnslat · Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 3:15 pm Post subject:

Is the Kingdom doing retinal scans now? I though it was:

"I have just confirmed what has been propounded here by several vets of the KSA. I just had to find out for myself.

Retinal scans and ocular mapping are 100% required upon entry/exit to/from KSA.

Fingerprinting as well as mandatory physical examination, blood work, and a separate medical report are also mandatory. In other wurdz, you can't get the medical report from the same physician who examined you in KSA.

Also, the Meningitis vaccine is 100% required of ALL travellers, which is an increased requirement from the previous one which only mandated Hajj or Umra pilgrims to get the vaccine."

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=72589

If so, it's good-bye to washing your passport.

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 3:23 pm Post subject:

Male colleagues of mine have had to have their fingerprints (not sure about retinal scans) done, though I don't think the requirement has come into effect yet.

Not sure it would eliminate the option to 'wash your passport'. the usual reason people do this is to get past the NOC requirement. This only involves the embassy, who will not have access to any biometric records.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 6:39 pm Post subject:

And, John, don't forget the ever-popular trend of getting retinal transplants that's sweeping the nation...

...or is that twitter???

NCTBA (newly-adopted mantra: "Only nit-wits tweet!")