Job Discussion Forums

macka · Joined: 11 May 2007 Posts: 45 Location: uk

hi,

Just wondering what the situation was regarding having a criminal record (petty offences only), and being able to, or not being able to work in Saudi.

Any info appreciated.

rgds

Pikgitina · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 420 Location: KSA

I wonder whether the fact that no one has replied to your post has something to do with the fact that this question has been asked several times this year. Have you tried doing a search?

johnslat · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 3:19 pm Post subject:

Dear macka,

A lot could depend on different factors:

What the "petty offenses" were - and how long ago they took place

Where you apply

As is so often the case where the Kingdom is concerned, the only answer that can likely be given to your question as it stands is: It depends.

Sorry,
John

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 3:36 pm Post subject:

BillCowher · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 131 Location: Up in the air!!!

I venture to guess that most of the readers here are working illegally on business or government visas. With tongue planted firmly in cheek; I wonder how this offense would be reported if we ever had to obtain a criminal records check from KSA and we told them we needed it because we had taught here for X # of days, months or years on a visa that prohibits us from doing so?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

"most of the readers are working illegally" ?????? Most of the teachers I know in KSA are on Iqamas.

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

It seems Americans have an advantage here thanks to the federal system of government. If I were convicted of a misdemeanor--or perhaps even a felony--in East Podunck, New Jersey, that's not within the police or criminal background check jurisdiction of, say, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania--and my Pennsylvania background check would come up clean. Which is acceptable to the Saudis. So far they have not insisted on any FBI check. Local jurisdicational checks are fine.

johnslat · Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 3:48 pm Post subject:

Dear scot47,

"Most of the teachers I know in KSA are on Iqamas."

From what I've been reading on this forum, this year seems to be the first one that these "other visas" started to be used.
So, assuming that the practice continues, more and more teachers may be coming to Saudi and working "illegally" in the future.
However, working where you do, I very much doubt you'll have much occasion to mingle with them.

Regards,
John

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

tacomaboywa · Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 194 Location: The Magic Kingdom

BillCowher · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 131 Location: Up in the air!!!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Not wise in my humble opinion. What do you do when you want to remit money ?

Interesting that you talk about "expats" as being different from Bengalis, Pakistanis and Indians. Why do you do that ? Are we not all migrant workers ?

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

Perhaps he just forgot to type "western" expats.

VS

tacomaboywa · Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 194 Location: The Magic Kingdom

johnslat · Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 7:44 pm Post subject:

Dear tacomaboywa,

But I doubt that KFUPM has used or will use recruiters,

Regards,
John