NKL

Hi all

I have a written offer of employment from a Saudi and now waiting for a visa. Can anyone tell me what the process is and how long it takes?

Many thanks

NKL

scot47

It is different in different countries. Really your employer should take care of this. If he does not, that is an indicator of a lousy employer. I was lucky with my last 2 jobs in KSA. The airline did everything for me through their London office. My other job was with a Government Uni, and the Cultural Attache in Ankara fixed up most of the paperwork for me.

My sugvgestion is that you take this uip with your employer.

NKL

Many thanks for your reply.

I remember when I moved to the UAE in the mid 1990s it was a very straight forward affair of obtaining an entry visa for a UK passport holder. The company simply applied for a visit visa then processed your residency visa when you arrived.

I have submitted a passport copy to the employer. I just wondered how long the process took to obtain an entry visa. Just getting bored waiting..............

Oh well inshallah......having been back in the UK I have forgotten the need for patience...............

scot47

KSA much is much tougher than UAE for visas etc. There is no provision for "visa on arrival".

They have problems in regulating the inflow of people coming for Hajj and Umrah, as wll as the huge influix of foreign workres from everfy corner oif the world.

Good luck.

NKL

Thanks scot47. I have found out that I have to go for a medical in UK before the visa is issued, and also qualifications have to be submitted to the KSA embassy. Starting to look like I won't be there till New Year!

scot47

Medicals can be of 2 types. The basic one for tthe Saudi Authorities which is for TB, InfectiousHepatitis and AIDS. That is for the visa - and they often repeat the medical afvter arrival. Some companies also have their own medical in whcih other aspecxts of your health may be checked (including evidence of alocohol and drug abuse). I had a complex medical in 1995 for the airline and I am still amazed that I passed it !

Desert Dubliner

No hassle if they have the so called block visa for you (matching your nationality and education). You will do medical and get your visa stamped within a week. On arrival, you'll do medical again and get IQAMA within a week. If, however, they don't have a block visa, then all bets are off and it can take any time from 2 months to never to get resident visa for you.

NKL

Many thanks gents. Given the possible variations I guess I will just have to wait and find out what my personal circumstances will be!