Job Discussion Forums

Overseer · Joined: 09 Aug 2011 Posts: 4

I just have a query regarding the age band(s) for a Saudi Business Visa.

I had recently accepted an offer from International House to teach in Jubail. However, I have more recently found out that the Saudi embassy in London have rejected my visa application on the grounds that I am, at 22 years of age (soon to be 23), too young to work in Saudi as visa requirements stipulate a minimum age limit of 27 years. Is this correct? This seems rather strange to me given that IH nor my recruiter, World Staff Recruitment, mentioned nothing of this and indicated that there would be no problems in obtaining my visa.

Please could anyone clarify whether they have ever encountered a situation such as this. I have trawled the Saudi embassy website but have not come across such a requirement though I have heard that visa rules were amended in September of this year. Any help is appreciated.

johnslat · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 1:49 am Post subject:

Dear Overseer,

That's absurd - I've never heard THAT one before. I suppose it's very remotely possible that some such regulation has been made since my departure from there, but I'd say the chances of that's having happened are about 0%.

How did you find out? Did someone at the embassy tell you? Get in touch with the embassy and find out what's going on.

Regards,
John

c_dange · Guest

I was also warned about the 27 age minimum by someone in the industry. Coincidentally, she works for International House Toronto as an overseas advisor to recent graduates. She mentioned that this is an arbitrary rule that was just recently implemented and that some teachers have been turned down for a visa on these grounds.

Luckily, I just turned 27 last month.

Overseer · Joined: 09 Aug 2011 Posts: 4

Many thanks for your replies.

I found out by the company processing my visa. I have tried to contact the embassy but I assume it is closed for the weekend.

However, I have contacted IH in Saudi Arabia and they were a tad suprised at the reasoning given since they are not aware of this. In terms of my application, they were/are happy with all the documents and say that it may have been the case that the individual who processed my visa at the embassy was someone who was not liasing with them. They've told me that they will look into the matter and call me back today as they assumed I had received the visa.

It seems rather odd that this new "rule" is not made clear to recruiters/employers and on the governmental websites for potential employees to check.

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

Overseer · Joined: 09 Aug 2011 Posts: 4

Many thanks for all your replies. IH have advised me to send back the passport to WSR for the visa to be processed as they have spoken again to their contact at the embassy who assures them that I will get it. Otherwise, they would not have offered me a contract in the first place, they said.

But apparently IH did confirm that applying for a work visa/Iqaama has become more difficult with a minimum age restriction in place. I guess all I can do is wait and see.

johnslat · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 8:43 pm Post subject:

Well, I did find this:

"The Saudi Government has recently implemented a changed in their visa allocation. As of October 2011 we are unable to put forward candidates aged below 27 or over 60 years of age. Unfortunately we, as a recruitment agency, have no flexibility on this new ruling. Therefore if you do not fall into the correct age bracket (i.e. you are aged between 27/60) please do not apply."

http://www.eslemployment.com/female-esl-teachers-for-saudi-arabia-riyadh-saudi-arabia-2654099.htm

But I still very much doubt it's "official."

Regards,
John