MSHQ

I am not sure what we can do. I have not encountered such situation before. I have no contact numbers for anybody in IU and I think that it is not a good idea to annoy them by calling. We can either wait or find jobs elsewhere.

scot47

Do not expect them to behave in the fashion of a Pukka Sahib !

rafe

any hopeful information....anyone got contract or visa..for next semester..

MSHQ

I got the contract at last

wwinit

I am really happy for you. It's just the first lesson to test your patience for 5 - 6 months and also a sign of mismanagement in the academia. Some culture shocks and academic barriers are waiting for you at Madinah, I suppose. Please post here again for any problems you encounter, such as no urinals in the toilets as they all wear throbes and cannot stand pee pee. Hahaha...

scot47

The sunna is to urinate in a squatting position. Only unbelievers do it standing up !

MSHQ

thanks wwinit and scot47 for your being there. I am not sure whether and when they will send me my visa? or I can apply for work visa myself?
What are general next steps?

bests

wwinit

After receiving the offer letter/contract, you will need to go through the traumatic period of at least two months. You have to (1) complete a medical report through your GP (or private clinic/hospital) and FCO legalisation, (2) get your PhD certificate attested by SACB in London, (3) apply for a work visa with Saudi Embassy in London and (4) obtain an air ticket by HR arrangement. Hopefully your HR will explain you the whole process. If not, just PM me then. Good luck.

wwinit

Oh, I forgot to talk about the contract. You might like to negotiate the basic monthly salary which is normally around SAR 10K - 20K depending on your passport (or nationality), professional experiences (or years after getting a PhD) and your specialised area. All alllowances are usually fixed and non-negotiable. Just bear in mind it might take 1 - 6 month to get the amended contract. With all the hassles, you might be able to start the new job on 1st April to say the least.

MSHQ

I am indeed thankful for such generous expressions and words.

King Cobra

MSHQ, did you get your visa or not yet?

MSHQ

Yes, I have been able to get my visa and currently working in faculty for few weeks now. Apart from style of work of clerks, I am in general satisfied. Students are not poor and local staff at the department is very cooperative. If you need any information, then do let me know. I am very much thankful for members here to respond to my queries and their helpful comments.

regards,

scot47

How do you feel about living and working in a place that excludes those of other faiths ? How would you react if these conditions were imposed on you ?

MSHQ

Well, I do respect all religions and systems of faith. If there is some place in the world which forbids me to go there and work there, then I would simply find my living else.

I have not thought about first question. I simply do not know.

scot47

Why do so many of your co-religionists choose to come and live in work in "Dar Al Harb" ? Then complain about discrimination ?