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SNIZ · Joined: 07 Oct 2009 Posts: 11

My husband is leaving THIS friday to KSA Sad

...what do i do now in regards to moving over there? do i apply on my own at the embassy here or is kau supposed to be doing that for me? my husband as a US citizen had to go to the states to get his visa and is leaving from there while I am an Australian living in Australia, anyone in a similar situation? oh yes and I am about 4 months pregnant how long does it take on average for my iqama or visa or whatever is it i should or shouldn't be applying for...

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 6:54 am Post subject:

polly1 · Joined: 05 Oct 2009 Posts: 13

It sounds like you should be prepared to give birth in Australia! I'm no expert, but I'd imagine that it would be better for your baby's future to be born in Australia. I'm talking from the point of view of the advantages of citizenship , ie KSA vs Australian citizenship. Maybe with an Australian mother and US father that wont matter - but like I said, Im not an expert - it's just a suggestion. Also, as you may know, most airlines have restrictions about pregnant women flying past a point (it could be 8 months with some or less with others). Worthwhile checking up on, just in case you have to wait for months for your visa. I'm still waiting and my situation is much simpler than yours. Good luck.

007 · Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 1:07 pm Post subject:

SNIZ · Joined: 07 Oct 2009 Posts: 11

Thanks for all the sincere replies, I just want to give a quick update on our situation, apparently because of my circumstances my iqama will be completed by saturday to be sent to canberra by dhl shortly after, which is great ! but now i am having second thoughts about going altogether because of the advice on medical system in KSA. I am not so worried about citizenship because I am aware that no non-saudi can become a saudi citizen by birth (so i will definitely be having a kangaroo Smile

!! yay..) but also the incentive to give birth in Australia is great when the govt not only pays for the delivery of baby but on top of that they give a $5000 baby bonus to help out with the newborn expenses...maybe I will go there for a couple of months and then come back home for the birth.

johnslat · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 1:49 pm Post subject:

Dear

" . . . I am aware that no saudi can become a saudi citizen by birth . . ."

I think you meant that no non-Saudi can become a Saudi citizen by being born in the Kingdom.

Actually, the only way a Saudi can become a Saudi citizen is by birth.

But I'd say that having your baby in Australia sounds like the right decision to me.

Regards,
John

SNIZ · Joined: 07 Oct 2009 Posts: 11

thanks Johnslat, i fixed it up Smile

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

I think going home for the birth is a very good idea. I would confirm the process of getting out of KSA and coming back with the baby.

Good Luck!!

VS

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 2:48 pm Post subject:

007 · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:01 pm Post subject:

johnslat · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:02 pm Post subject:

Dear 007,

Yup, I noticed that as well. I suspect that was was meant was the visa rather then an iqama. As far as I'm aware, one's iqama never leaves the Kingdom.

Regards,
John

007 · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:12 pm Post subject:

Well, I guess she will receive a visa number (not the visa itself!), then after satisfying all the Saudi requirements of visa, they will stamp an entry- visa on her passport.

The Magic Kingdom never sends visas by DHL!! Laughing

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:26 pm Post subject:

SNIZ, I know quite a few women, some of them Australian, who have given birth in KSA and experienced no problems whatsoever with the medical facilities. Birth is one thing that doctors in Saudi Arabia are very familiar with, given that Saudi women seem to mostly be on the "one a year" plan. Public hospitals might not be so great, but in most urban areas there are very nice private hospitals which can handle even a complicated birth with great safety. I say this just so that you will know that you do have a choice in case your husband really wants to be with you for the birth of your child.

Also, as others have said, remember that you've usually got to be on that plane back home by 7 months or so. After that, they won't let you fly. That means you have to spend the last two months of the pregnancy without hubby as well, which can be very difficult, especially if it is your first child.

Good luck with all this. I really feel that you and your child will be fine even if you give birth in KSA.

usa_in_gulf · Joined: 10 Aug 2009 Posts: 133 Location: Gulf

johnslat · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:45 pm Post subject:

Dear usa_in_gulf,

Yup, I'm aware of what you posted. However, if you read the highlighted portion below:

". . . the only way a Saudi can become a Saudi citizen is by birth.

you'll see that I wasn't referring to foreigners' becoming Saudi citizens.

Regards,
John