Job Discussion Forums

[vorticity]

Hey

I've accepted an offer of a position in KSA, and am waiting for the visa to come through. However, the visa I've applied for is a Business one. Having browsed this forum for information in this regard, there seem to be somewhat 'conflicting' viewpoints. On the one hand I understand certain implications of working with such a visa, but also the 'regularity' at which this seems to happen. So, my quesitons are.. what are the detailed implications of working in KSA with a business visa (e.g. buying a car and driving, etc.)?; is such a practise common for recruitment agencies (and does that necessarily mean they aren't reputable?); and, should I be concerned?

Thanks in advance for any help/advice you're able to offer!

[cmp45]

Yes, you should be concerned! There is no conflicting info here...you are being used, if you enter on a business visa. There have been numerous threads regarding the huge downsides to entering KSA on a business visa...you already mentioned...a few...not being able to open a bank account, buy or rent a car....not to mention visa runs each month or so...do your homework and read past posts...as tedious as it may be; it would be beneficial do do so. You are foolish to enter KSA on a business visa...it's not worth it...unless your Saudi employer offers a work/ employment visa...do not accept!!! I repeat- NOT WORTH IT!@!!!!!! jeezus If I could slap you I would! If only to wake you up!!!! Cuz you and a hundered others have asked the same question and the answer is still the same...NO, do not enter KSA on a business visa...life is difficult enough in KSA...why oh why would you want to create more problems for yourself! WHY?

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

I have another question, cmp...WHY would you waste a second on this troll...there has never been conflicting evidence over what is being asked?!?

NCTBA

[cmp45]

Good point...probably because I have nothing better to do while I wait for my own employment visa to come through.( third time round & never ever have I entered on a business visa!.)... Just passing the time, waiting.... house sitting and dog sitting and a bit o' drunk !!! cuz that what I do when on holidays Of couse I like to lead people on... to think am a lush... sure sure..only when outside KSA...when I am in KSA, I am totally sober and a huge bore!

[vorticity]

Perhaps I should have clarified. This is with a view to obtaining a work visa (I assume). Does this make any difference?

Thanks

[veiledsentiments]

Not true NCTBA... why are you accusing this person of being a troll? Would you please look up the meaning!! He is merely a newbie asking the same question that we get over and over. (and over and over)

I can understand where even if he has been reading lots of threads, it is confusing. There have been and are people who prefer these business visas. They like them because it allows them to hold onto their passport and abscond whenever they decide that they don't like things at these dodgy employers. That is a point...

But, the reality is the first of all you are working illegally. Thus you have no legal rights whatsoever if your employer decides to not pay you or whatever. Banking can be a problem, but many of the business visa fans have managed to get around the rules and get money changers to send out their money.

IMHO, I would avoid them... but even KAUST is using them for TEFL people. This is mainly because they don't yet know their needs and don't want to do any long term contracts yet... 6 month stints are too short to go to the expense of an Iqama. They are providing all transport and are paying salaries into US bank accounts. To be honest, they are about the only trustworthy employer who uses them... the rest seem pretty dodgy.

VS

[veiledsentiments]

oops... we're synchronized posting here Mr vorticity.

It is the employer who decides which visa you will have. Most dependable employers bring you in on a short term visa (you have to do tons of home country paperwork and medical tests) and then once you are there, within the first 3 months they turn it into a legal labor card called an iqama.

The shadier employers often use a business visa (supposedly for visiting business people) which must be renewed every three months by your flying off to Bahrain or some such...

VS

[cmp45]

[cmp45]

[vorticity]

Thanks, 'veiledsentiments' for your sensible defence of my opening post. My last entry was posted before the 'reply' of NCTBA' and - frankly - I don't see wherein there lies any great indication of 'trolling'.

For those prepared to offer serious advice, from some things I've read the bringing-over of employers on such a visa is 'normal practise' due to visa-processing time; such that they will work short-term (and yes, the length of this 'short-term' is another matter I suppose) while their work visa is being processed. So, based on this, is there real cause for concern?

And also - if those of you who know the answers would be so kind as to spare your time - I have some more specific questions..

- How does one receive payment if they're on a Business Visa?

- Does such an arrangement mean one has to live in a compound prior to a Work Visa being attained (i.e. that one couldn't make use of an allowance to rent)?

- Not a question.. but if you are/have been in such a position, I wonder if you could inform me of anything else that might be worth knowing?

Thanks again, and I look forward to reading some contructive advice

[vorticity]

Yes, seems we may be posting almost simultaneously.

Well, I have read through several threads concerning this and, to be honest, it would seem there is a conflict of differing viewpoints. As you've eluded to, veiledsentiments, this seems to be something quite common and perhaps understandable(?) should employers want employees in KSA relatively short notice. So maybe it's a matter of how long it would take to gain the Work Visa/iqaama?

Again, from what I've read, this length of time may differ. Do you think I should contact the recruiter and ask them about the anticipated time it may take? To be honest, in corresponding with them they seem upfront, and don't give me the impression they're 'shady'.

And again, if someone with first-hand experience could chip-in, please do so..

Thanks

[cmp45]

[veiledsentiments]

The problem is that some people here consider anyone who asks the same questions that are asked continually to be a "troll." But, it is just a bit irritating, whereas a "troll" in internet speak is someone who comes on to pick fights, flame, and isn't really after any information at all.

Most of your questions can not be answered unless you tell who the employer is. Every employer has their own procedures as to pay and housing. Perhaps someone will know them and can answer.

Here's one way to know if you will be getting a legal work visa. If before departure, you spend lots of time and money sending paperwork back and forth to a Saudi Embassy... verifying your education, getting an extensive medical exam, getting police clearances..., your employer is most likely going to get you an iqama.

If he tells you... no problem... just go to the embassy and get your passport stamped.... it is very likely that he has no intention of ever getting you a work visa.

Another variation on this theme... the employer says that he needs you yesterday, so quick go the embassy, pack and jump on a plane... and in three months you will fly back home to do the proper paperwork that I mentioned above and then when you come back, they will get the proper iqama. Herein lies the problem... a significant number of the employers are lying and never intend to get you an iqama. I agree with cmp... working illegally isn't a good idea. That said, there are literally hundreds of teachers doing it...

VS
(nope never been there... t'ain't no secret, but what I am is a gatherer of information from all these posts. Thus I can generalize... for specifics you need to give your employer and hopefully someone knows... or it could come up on a "search" if you haven't tried that yet)

[vorticity]

Good point, veiledsentiments (concerning the process).

Well, I've had a medical and have forwarded this to the recruiter - as well as academic certificates, etc.. Could someone tell me if this is necessary for a Business Visa? I think not.. and hence, we may conclude that the intention is to issue a Work Visa/iqaama?

Also - if it makes any difference - I'm from the UK (as the process may be slightly different in other countries, I believe)

[cmp45]