Hash

Hi everyone,



I am seeking advice and insights from individuals who have experience with the Iqama process in Saudi Arabia.



Here's my situation:



I've recently received a conditional job offer from a company, pending client approval and the acquisition of my Iqama.

I have received client approval yesterday.

To obtain the Iqama, I need to undergo a medical check, obtain a UK police clearance, and apostille my certificates.



I have a few questions and would greatly appreciate any guidance or experiences you can share:



1. **Apostille Process**: How long does it typically take to apostille my certificates in the Saudi embassy? Should I do this from my current location (South America) or go back to the UK and handle it from there?



2. **Medical Check**: What does the medical check entail? Are there specific tests or procedures I should be aware of? And how long does the entire medical check process usually take?



3. **Timeline**: Considering all these steps, how long does the entire Iqama process usually take from start to finish?



4. **Resignation Timing**: Do you recommend resigning from my current job before obtaining the Iqama, or should I wait until I have it in hand?



I'm eager to hear about your experiences and any advice you can offer. Your insights will be incredibly valuable as I navigate this process. Thank you in advance for your help!



thanks all

beardysuhz

1. In terms of Attestation of Documents (this can take typically take between 1 to 3 weeks in the UK)..do note that these were for Documents from UK institutions so not sure if your documents are from South America or not and whether this has any impact on timing.

2. Medical checks in the UK was very straightforward and takes a day (visit a medical centre for chest xray, blood test, urine sample, maybe stool sample if unlucky)

3. Timeline in total can vary and including the police security check can take around 2 to 4 months. I would advise using an experienced and recommend agent who will make the process as smooth as possible and ideally try do do whatever you can in parallel e.g security clearance and Attestation.

4. I would say do not resign until the last possible minute you can before things are confirmed. Just to let you know this entire process means you will get a Permanent Business Visa to KSA..you only get your iqama once you travel to KSA and that visa converts into an iqama.

Hope that helps

Hash

thanks mate

clownshow

1. **Apostille Process**: How long does it typically take to apostille my certificates in the Saudi embassy? Should I do this from my current location (South America) or go back to the UK and handle it from there?

Visa Agent will do that, not long, usually a week or so.



2. **Medical Check**: What does the medical check entail? Are there specific tests or procedures I should be aware of? And how long does the entire medical check process usually take?

Chest x-ray, bloods, doctor cough and grope. Nothing onerous.



3. **Timeline**: Considering all these steps, how long does the entire Iqama process usually take from start to finish?

You won't get an iqama until you are in country. This is for your employment visa. Once you are in country your HR will apply for your iqama, which takes a while.


4. **Resignation Timing**: Do you recommend resigning from my current job before obtaining the Iqama, or should I wait until I have it in hand?

Do not resign until you have your visa and your tickets booked. Visa process is always a bit sketchy and takes longer than expected. If you're told a couple of weeks for your visa, expect 2 to 3 months, sometimes longer. Nothing moves quickly in KSA.