Job Discussion Forums

[Hatcher]

I have an offer from a college in KSA but I also applied to Aramco. If I take the job at the college, can I transfer to Aramco if the opportunity presents itself?

[It's Scary!]

Uh...uh...!

[veiledsentiments]

I would assume that once an employer registers your passport for a visa with them... they own you until the contract expires.

But... not all visas are created equal... will this employer provide you with an iqama? or an illegal business visa? and rules are meant to be broken...

But I'd guess that it is likely that ARAMCO wouldn't want you if you are under a current contract...

VS

[scot47]

The days of the Letter of No Objection (LONO) or No Objection Certificate are over

BUT it is still difficult. Saudis do not want to upset other Saudis by "poaching" one of their indentured servants.

[Middle East Beast]

[veiledsentiments]

Yes, but from the sound of the question, this person is considering taking a job with one employer... and if ARAMCO bites in a few months, switch over. In the rest of the Gulf, you would be SOL as far as switching under a new contract - which invariably includes a 6 month/one semester notice. I can't imagine that Saudi would allow it... no matter what the current NOC rules are.

Wouldn't you need to comply with your contract for departure at employer one... and then perhaps wash your passport to avoid random enforcement of the old NOC rules?

VS

[johnslat]

Dear Hatcher,

Probably not - but as usual in Saudi, it will all depend on how much wasta each employer has. If ARAMCO has more wasta - and is willing to use it, a BIG if - it could happen.

I knew of a couple of teachers in Saudi who managed to do what you're thinking about doing.

But it's definitely not something you can count on.

Regards,
John

[yrsammit]