Job Discussion Forums

canadian_joe · Joined: 20 Aug 2010 Posts: 8

Hi There,

Sorry if this question has been covered elsewhere.

I have accepted a position teaching in Saudi Arabia. My contract begins mid September. I contacted my employer last week telling them that I had completed my medical exam and collected all other documents and was thus ready to apply for a visa. However, my employer told me that " they are still trying to contact the Saudi sponser to request a visa slip", which as you know is needed to apply for a visa. They said that the sponsor was contacted and it seemed as though the visa slip was in process and hopefully I will receieve it soon. They told me to wait until the visa slip is received before I submit my documents.

Now, considering my contract begins mid September and I have all the documents ready to apply for a Saudi visa, should not having a visa slip at this point in time concern me? Is this normal to have everything like this last minute? One of my biggest concerns is the actual processing time for my visa. So even if I received the slip this week, I am worried that the Embassy may take a while to issue me a visa.

This is my first time teaching in Saudi Arabia and I have heard that things are a little slow going there, however, I am wondering if this is a little extreme or me just being paranoid.

Any advice or suggestions you have are much appreciated!

Best

Best.

Cleopatra · Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 6:51 pm Post subject:

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

If you have all your duckies lined up and good to go...its out of your control for the time being until that visa slip is issued...you just have to wait...It is Ramadan now, so do not expect things to progress in a timely manner. Also just so you don't get all worked up about it... for some, it is not so uncommon to arrive late. If you are patient and can afford to wait ... it usually all works out...Inshallah!

canadian_joe · Joined: 20 Aug 2010 Posts: 8

Thanks Cleopatra.

Yes, essentially I went through a recruitment company (however, I believe the recruitment company only hires students for a specific school and therefore my contract is between me, the company and the school in Saudi).

Best.

Puddlesz · Joined: 14 Jul 2010 Posts: 16

are you going through a 3rd party visa agency?

canadian_joe · Joined: 20 Aug 2010 Posts: 8

I do not think they would be considered a "third party" exactly. Rather, I believe they have entered into an agreement with a number of Saudi universities/colleges to establish ESL centres and provide teachers.

Cleopatra · Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 9:25 pm Post subject:

canadian_joe · Joined: 20 Aug 2010 Posts: 8

"they *have*" (rather) entered into an agreement. I am just not sure if this makes them a third party . . .

Puddlesz · Joined: 14 Jul 2010 Posts: 16

canadian_joe · Joined: 20 Aug 2010 Posts: 8

Yes, I am working with a visa representative registered with enjaz. The rep was helping me collect all my documents.

The asked me last week if I received a visa slip. I said no. I then contacted my employer and he said that he had notified the Saudi partner and the visa slip "would be coming" be he "did not know when exactly".

Is this business with the visa slip usually left between the rep and employer (or rep and Saudi partner)?

I am concerned with this matter only because I am scheduled to begin work mid-September and the starting date is thus fast approaching. The visa slip (or authorization to apply for a visa) is a critical part of the visa application process and I am wondering why this was not taken care of earlier on when I first accepted the position (about one month ago), and, if I should be skeptical at all.

Puddlesz · Joined: 14 Jul 2010 Posts: 16

I cannot speak on experience as this is my first time traveling to Saudi Arabia and I happen to be Canadian as well! Smile

But when my employer sent me the full in-depth contract through mail, the visa slip with my visa number was attached to it along with a letter written entirely in Arabic (I assume addressed to the embassy). I am scheduled to arrive and begin work around the same time as you so I would be a little concerned and skeptical.

Cleopatra · Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 11:20 pm Post subject:

sauditeacher · Joined: 05 Oct 2009 Posts: 44

[quote="Cleopatra"]

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

It is Ramadan. Enough said. Well two factors -

1. KSA
2. Ramadan

kachimama · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 19

Your professional title on the visa slip may be somewhat inconsistent with your intended role.

For instance, in my contract I am an "advanced ICT Instructor - English", and on my visa slip I am a "computer programmer" -- be advised your visa slip is in Arabic. (If and when I finally arrive I will of course be an ESL instructor.)

The visa agency suggested that this may cause a delay in my application. When I contacted my recruiter, I was informed that this is normal; math teachers and and other educators have officially come as janitors, for example. The reason behind this, I'm told, is that there's a quota on teacher visas.