Job Discussion Forums

[NaNaNate]

Hi guys,

Long time xpat here finally looking to make the move to KSA and I have been recently talking to a variety of recruiters and direct job offers and the whole visa/Iqama thing is making me a bit bonkers.

Anyway, some of the jobs have been promising me that I will be able to get my Iqama within the first 60 days or so after having started work in the KSA and then have my spouse arrive shortly after that.

Others have been telling me that it may be over a year before I can get her to come with me since it will take some time to transfer over from a business visa to the Iqama.

As a first timer to KSA, I am, admittedly, a bit confused.

If it makes any difference, I am an MAT:TESOL holder w/ English and Technology teaching certifications from USA.

[desertdawg]

I would be very sceptical of a company bringing me on a business visa if I wanted to sponsor my wife. You're right you need the iquama to do this which can only be got from entering Saudi on a work visa.

In my experience which is from a few years ago, employers usually want you to complete a three month probationary period before bringing your wife. The process is not complicated and doesn't take long, but you do need assistance from your company or from somebody who knows the ins and outs.

My advice would be to go for a direct hire position which offers the iquama straight away and be prepared to work your probation or wait a few months before bringing your wife. I wouldn't rule out recruiters if you get a good offer, but be aware that they can sometimes be economical with the truth.

Good luck

[scot47]

Transfer from Business Visa to Iqama ? That will not happen. Do not believe them on that - or anything else they say. They want to pull the wool over your eyes.

[sicklyman]

an employer that doesn't lie to you would tell you you'd have your iqama within a week to ten days. There is no such thing as a transfer between a business visa and a visa that leads to an iqama.

Do not work for these people.

[nomad soul]

As others have mentioned, target direct-hire positions, especially since you have a related MA and presumably, solid relevant experience.

Employers have up to 90 days (the duration of the employee's employment/work visa) to get the iqama issued. The time frame for processing depends on the employer (usually under 2 weeks for government employers) and the time of year the employee arrives in country. Either way, you need to have a lot of patience in terms of living/working in KSA.

.

[BajaLaJaula]

If they offer to bring you over on a business visa...typically they last from 1 to 6 months, you would then have to leave the country to be able to come back on an employment visa.

As others have said...don't take a job that is going to bring you over on a business visa if your plan is to bring your wife over to KSA as well.
Take the job that will bring you over on an employment visa. Once your probationary period of 3 months is over, and you have your iqama then they can help you to get your wife over there.

A lot of stories of broken promises. Companies that have no intention of allowing you to bring your family over. Yet they are not honest about it. They will tell you whatever it takes to get you there...then you are stuck there with the only option of breaking your contract because you can't get them to sponsor your family. Dirty deeds done by dirty dealers. Whole thing sounds pretty "unislamic to me." But then again, for most of them its just a façade.

[NaNaNate]

Ahh, thanks for the input guys.

Will stay away from the business visas then!

[plumpy nut]

An employment visa which can be turned into an Iqama has to be obtained in your home country, not anywhere else.

[scot47]

Two of my former employers processed visas for me in a third country. It can be done - if you have the right employer !

I have British nationality and lived in a Balkan country that had no Saudi Embassy. Processing was done for me in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

[NaNaNate]

[nomad soul]