Khan09

Hi - I recently got a job offer to work in Saudi Arabia and have started the visa process. I was wondering if there's anyone who is going through visa process or has recently obtained a work permit for Saudi Arabia, it will be good if you can share your experience.

mikewot

The word you are looking for is iqama.

sicklyman

er... no... that would be for a residence permit (which is what it says along the top of the iqama). This allows you to live in Saudi but not necessarily work e.g. a dependent's iqama. He's talking about getting the employment visa so he can get to Saudi and legally work here for his iqama sponsor.

AFAIK, there's no such thing as a "work permit."

mikewot

Every day is a school day :-)

sicklyman

love your sig ;-)

phoenix2010

Hi, I'm currently going through the process of getting a visa to go to Saudi. My paperwork and application has been handled by an agent. I submitted certificates, contact details for training institutions, written references from previous and current employer etc. These were checked, attested and submitted to the KSA embassy along with an application for which a 90 day visa has been issued and returned. My understanding is that on arrival my employer/ sponsor will submit documents and application for a work permit/ iqama. I think the term iqama is an identity card for legal foreign nationals in Saudi which states the type of visa/ conditions which govern your time in the country. I am however a newbie myself so may not have it absolutely correct.

sicklyman

You are pretty much right in your description.

Everyone in Saudi has an ID card. The iqama is for foreigners, yes. It doesn't state the visa status, but it does say who your sponsor is (for my wife, that would be me. For me, it's my company) and what the job role is that was on your visa block application by your sponsor. This latter could be absolutely anything at all. Mine says something like Technical Analyst even though I'm an English teacher. It makes no reference to how long you can stay in the country, but it does have an expiry date. You actually have to be in Kingdom when it expires so it can be renewed.

From August, this is all supposed to change, with iqamas never expiring and being renewed by the sponsor online. If this does change, it will make things a lot easier. I'll believe it when I see it!

Khan09

Thanks gents
@pheonix - how long did it take you to get your qualifications attested by Saudi Arabian Cultural Attache? Mine has been with them for 5 weeks now! The agent who's handling my application is saying not much can be done to speed up attestation process.

phoenix2010

February I submitted documents and June is when my visa was issued. I'm not sure how long it took for the attestation in that time.

Swansea

Mine have gone in on Monday 27th.

University sent confirmation of the award on Monday itself.

Fingers crossed now.

Have you guys finished Medicals?, I am diabetic not sure if that poses any issues.

sicklyman

Being diabetic should not pose an issue at all. In fact, you may be fast-tracked as most of Saudi is diabetic too!

It can take many weeks to many months to get the green light to fly. Hang tight, and treat it as your first test of cultural adaptation.

Swansea

All I've got my passport back in hand with the visa stamped on Friday.

Planning to be there first week of October

Any one flying around same time??

phoenix2010

Congratulations. I'm jetting off to KSA at the beginning of September.

chelsea_fan

I'm flying to riyadh on he 10th September from London Heathrow if anybody else Is flying that day!?

mission

learned something new today - cheers for that.