KSA Job Offer
Jan 1st 2021, 7:36 am
#106
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: bute
Posts: 9,740
Re: KSA Job Offer
Ouch! Well hopefully you get back. Not like Emirates to have poor customer service.
I got my Iqama the other day. Which was great news, put a smile on my face for all of an hour until I got to a bank. I had my iqama and my letter from the company re salary etc...
I got there and there was one problem after another; device failed, then mid application had to register on Absher, then had to register an address on SaudiPost.sa which was a nightmare because I live in a hotel (villa not ready for a few more days). Turns out SaudiPost does it based on my gps location so I need to be at the hotel. That night I was moving to Al Nakhla, so had to do that then register the address. Did that. Then went on Absher, it's not activated need to go to a device to do that. Fine, went to the nearest one, tried 3 times not working. Others couldn't get it to work for them either. Went to another ATM and it wasn't there (damn google). Went to a third ATM and it had a queue out the mall into the carpark, pass!
Day after I got my absher activated.
Went online to begin process for Family Residency Visa and there is an issue with my job title on the e-platform so now I need to go to the Istiqadam office *slaps head*
.
I got my Iqama the other day. Which was great news, put a smile on my face for all of an hour until I got to a bank. I had my iqama and my letter from the company re salary etc...
I got there and there was one problem after another; device failed, then mid application had to register on Absher, then had to register an address on SaudiPost.sa which was a nightmare because I live in a hotel (villa not ready for a few more days). Turns out SaudiPost does it based on my gps location so I need to be at the hotel. That night I was moving to Al Nakhla, so had to do that then register the address. Did that. Then went on Absher, it's not activated need to go to a device to do that. Fine, went to the nearest one, tried 3 times not working. Others couldn't get it to work for them either. Went to another ATM and it wasn't there (damn google). Went to a third ATM and it had a queue out the mall into the carpark, pass!
Day after I got my absher activated.
Went online to begin process for Family Residency Visa and there is an issue with my job title on the e-platform so now I need to go to the Istiqadam office *slaps head*
.
Jan 2nd 2021, 8:27 am
#107
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 60
Re: KSA Job Offer
There are 2 available. Ideally they'd be as close to the gym, preferably with a secret entrance 
Jan 4th 2021, 3:59 am
#109
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2016
Location: Kuwait
Posts: 244
Re: KSA Job Offer
I'm going to ruffle some feathers. Not good enough for such a large company.
Mmmmmmm how long have you been in KSA?
Ruffling feathers might not be in your best interest believe me
Mmmmmmm how long have you been in KSA?
Ruffling feathers might not be in your best interest believe me
Jan 9th 2021, 10:53 am
#110
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 60
Re: KSA Job Offer
By 'Ruffle Some Feathers' I didn't mean it in that sense. I sent an email to cc'ing a few senior people about the issues I'm having and requested support which I've now got in abundance. I was perhaps too quiet and dealing with as much myself. This was in turn wasting time during work hours solving personal matters.
Anyhow, it's sorted. Iqama received, Bank account open, Visa application for family in progress and I move into my villa tomorrow.
I've been in Riyad since 14 Dec 2020.
Anyone with information on cheapest method to send money back to the UK? Pay mortgage, bills etc...
Also, I was recommended the Ajwaa Credit Card from Bank Aljazira which gives you points to spend on any airline. From what I've read seems to be the most flexible with points. Any one with anything to add?
Anyhow, it's sorted. Iqama received, Bank account open, Visa application for family in progress and I move into my villa tomorrow.
I've been in Riyad since 14 Dec 2020.
Anyone with information on cheapest method to send money back to the UK? Pay mortgage, bills etc...
Also, I was recommended the Ajwaa Credit Card from Bank Aljazira which gives you points to spend on any airline. From what I've read seems to be the most flexible with points. Any one with anything to add?
Jan 9th 2021, 11:24 am
#111
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: bute
Posts: 9,740
Re: KSA Job Offer
Cheapest - I am not sure. i used my own bank. Sometimes Al Rajhi or one of the other money exchanges. KSA has a very sophisticated banking and remittance system used by the lillions of foreign workers to remit money back home.
I often used Speedcash which is run by SAMBA (Saudi American Bank). I used to go downtown and stand in line. i am sure you can do it electronically. All the other banks offer similar facilities.
I often used Speedcash which is run by SAMBA (Saudi American Bank). I used to go downtown and stand in line. i am sure you can do it electronically. All the other banks offer similar facilities.
Last edited by scot47; Jan 9th 2021 at 11:30 am.
Jan 13th 2021, 2:09 pm
#112
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 60
Re: KSA Job Offer
Got my Driving License today. Hopefully have a car by tomorrow so I can drive on Saturday morning on dead quiet roads getting used to being the other side.
Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to go to SABB and upgrade my account to Premier which according to their staff offers better exchange rates. I will share once I know.
Another great news my marriage and sons birth certificate has been stamped in the UK. Hopefully the scans will be accepted. If so I should be able to get my families residency visa soon and then fly them out to Dubai before coming here.
Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to go to SABB and upgrade my account to Premier which according to their staff offers better exchange rates. I will share once I know.
Another great news my marriage and sons birth certificate has been stamped in the UK. Hopefully the scans will be accepted. If so I should be able to get my families residency visa soon and then fly them out to Dubai before coming here.
Jan 13th 2021, 3:48 pm
#113
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: bute
Posts: 9,740
Re: KSA Job Offer
Well done. I enjoyed my time in KSA, spread over a long period in "chunks". Not for everyone. Having a good employer makes a difference.
Jan 13th 2021, 4:52 pm
#114
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Location: London
Posts: 162
Re: KSA Job Offer
Wow - you are motoring! I can get my Iqama soon, apparently.
We made it back from Dubai and have just finished quarantine. A bit confusing as to how long you have to do, but we did the 7 days. Anyone who went back to the UK has another week at least in Dubai or somewhere else before they can head back here, so good job we decided to do the Maldives instead.
We made it back from Dubai and have just finished quarantine. A bit confusing as to how long you have to do, but we did the 7 days. Anyone who went back to the UK has another week at least in Dubai or somewhere else before they can head back here, so good job we decided to do the Maldives instead.
Jan 16th 2021, 1:26 pm
#115
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 60
Re: KSA Job Offer
Nice to have you back.
Yeah if you are from the UK you have to spend 14 days outside of the UK before entering KSA. When I arrived in KSA in December I had to re-quarantine and re-test.
I've been fortunate to have Saudi Arabian colleagues who are really keen to help with any issue. One of them kindly helped deal with all licence and car processes.
Just need to sort out families visa. My wife has sent scanned attested docs. The Govt Relations office is going to apply on my behalf with the scan hoping the UK passport is sufficient. If not then my wife will need to send me the originals. Fingers crossed they accept the scanned files. I'll then see my family around mid Feb. I miss them too much!
Yeah if you are from the UK you have to spend 14 days outside of the UK before entering KSA. When I arrived in KSA in December I had to re-quarantine and re-test.
I've been fortunate to have Saudi Arabian colleagues who are really keen to help with any issue. One of them kindly helped deal with all licence and car processes.
Just need to sort out families visa. My wife has sent scanned attested docs. The Govt Relations office is going to apply on my behalf with the scan hoping the UK passport is sufficient. If not then my wife will need to send me the originals. Fingers crossed they accept the scanned files. I'll then see my family around mid Feb. I miss them too much!
Feb 14th 2021, 5:55 pm
#116
Just Joined
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 11
Re: KSA Job Offer
Thanks for sharing the information regarding recruitment process. Very helpful. I am waiting for an offer at the moment. Do you mind sharing the split of base salary and housing? Need more insights regarding pay structure. I could not find much information for the detailed compensation package on this forum, particularly for Saudi jobs.
Feb 27th 2021, 11:20 am
#117
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 60
Re: KSA Job Offer
Thanks for sharing the information regarding recruitment process. Very helpful. I am waiting for an offer at the moment. Do you mind sharing the split of base salary and housing? Need more insights regarding pay structure. I could not find much information for the detailed compensation package on this forum, particularly for Saudi jobs.
If you are still waiting on the split mine is as follows: Base Salary + 25% Housing + 10% Transport.
Feb 27th 2021, 7:15 pm
#118
Just Joined
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 11
Re: KSA Job Offer
Great, thanks! Hope all goes on well for your job!
Mar 18th 2021, 3:21 pm
#119
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 3
Re: KSA Job Offer
Your situation sounds very similar to the one I'm in. It would be great to connect to hear about how you're getting on. I'll PM you. Thanks.
Mar 19th 2021, 1:13 pm
#120
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 60
Re: KSA Job Offer
Hey,
Happy to help with any questions. Feel free to DM or ask on here as my answers and the forums could help an onlooker.
Happy to help with any questions. Feel free to DM or ask on here as my answers and the forums could help an onlooker.