Work Widow

Hi all, not sure of the correct terminology. However, does anyone know how long I have to physically stay in Saudi for this to happen?

We plan to have me added to his Saudi Iqama before we take up residency in Bahrain. I'd like to get an idea of how long I will have to be "holed up" in Saudi for this to happen. I don't want to arrive there anticipating a couple of weeks and then find out I've got to stay 90 days or something equally ridiculous. My husband has been working in Saudi for 5 years.

Thanks in advance for your answers.

camel jockey

Hate to say it but really depends on how much wasta your husband's company has. Also with Ramadan approaching everything will basically close down for a month so would wait until after Eid.

Work Widow

Thanks for that, not sure how much pull they have with Saudi authorities.

He claims it will only take a couple of weeks but he's not that into details! So thought I would do some checking myself.

northbadawi

This process is a Family Residence permit. At the end you will get your own iqama where a sponsor is your husband and valid for the same period.
Whan you arrive on Family Residence visa you can get iqama in 3 days fastest and in 3 arabic month (<90 days) max, otherwise you become an overstayer with deportation and 10000 sar penalty for your sponsor-husband (never heard about such case for western expats).

Check this thread: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=773821

Work Widow

Thanks so much for that link. It gives me more information than what I had previously.

Clearly my searching skills are somewhat lacking.