How long long for an Iqama?
 

Hello again, does anyone know what is the average turnaround time for a Iqama? My husband started his new job in Riyadh 10 days ago, he entered the country with a work visa organised by his employer and is now waiting for his iqama, and once that comes through his employer will organise the family iqama. Any idea how long this process might take? We'd estimated about a month for both Iqamas, is that realistic?

Re: How long long for an Iqama?
 

unfortunately, it's a bit of a "how long is a piece of string" thing. it seems pretty dependant on the company's government liaison officer and how much 'clout' they have to push things through. around the office i work in, turn around has been from 2 - 6 weeks (with persistent chasing).

to save yourself a bit of stress, best to take the red tape processes in the magic kingdom with a wait-and-see attitude. (they have this marvellous philosophy of 'inshallah' = 'with the will of god' --> bloody infuriating (spelling) but you get used to it/resign to it after a while) don't pin any deadlines to any government process here, you'll just give yourself an ulcer.

Re: How long long for an Iqama?
 

I know people who had to wait six months for the family iqama so don't hold your breath. It really depends upon the efficiency and influence of your company public relations officer.

Re: How long long for an Iqama?
 

Same as above but if he is with a decent company there is no reason why it can't be done in a month.

We have a great guy does ours and he can renew a residence visa and get a multi exit in under an hour,
Cost SR 500 a shot but worth it.

A new residency can be done in less than 10 days.

This is in Dammam where eveyone seems to know everyone else.

Be a step ahead and get your medicals done now if not done already.

Re: How long long for an Iqama?
 

Hi I transfered from Taif into Riyadh about 5 weeks ago,
I am still waiting for my new slippery lizard.
But mind you !! the chap thati had to sort out all my papers was away for 12 days
But i am (ish) hopefull within the next week or so!!!

Re: How long long for an Iqama?
 

multi-exit/entry... *sigh*... if only...

Re: How long long for an Iqama?
 

hi there,

Just wandering have you organised a compound yet? my husband is going in april and then myself and daughter will join him in september providing we get a compound, i've heard the waiting list are very long?

Re: How long long for an Iqama?
 

Hi, no way, no compound yet, one battle at a time! The only thing which is sorted is the school, the children have been accepted at the British school to start in April (we applied probably about 2 months ago) however we do not have our visas yet... or accommodation! The waiting lists are very long, if you want to get into the Western compounds, I believe from my limited knowledge that there is accommodation available on other 'not so western' compounds. Where are you living currently?

Re: How long long for an Iqama?
 

hi, we live in london, where are you?

my husband is a clivi engineer, our daughter is only 2 so dont have to worry about schools yet, thank god.
life is going to be very different there, i work full time and have a great social life with friends in london, that will soon change! what does your husband do?

Re: How long long for an Iqama?
 

Deffo agree with this, get it done now.Once your husbands iqama is through, the process can begin of getting you a visa. No visa will be issued unless you have the medical done first.

My wife used a very efficient company in Harley St,I have their contact details if you need them, they specialise in Saudi medicals and for an additional fee, will also sort out your visa.

Second tip - make sure you have the visa BEFORE booking your flight!

Good luck with the compounds, the British School in on the Al Hamra compound, so ideally, accommodation there would be great.

Re: How long long for an Iqama?
 

Hi nottmbantam, would love the details of the Harley contact for the medicals. is it just the wife that needs a medical? What about the husband and children? Also, to speed things up we're thinking of applying for a family visa for me (these seem more straightforward), and then once his Iqama comes through, applying for mine. Is that realistic?

Re: How long long for an Iqama?
 

check out the wiki, the contact details for harley are there. best speak to Jane, very nice woman.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/KSA_Misc_Immigration_Info

Re: How long long for an Iqama?
 

Yes it was the same place iwent for my medicial all those years ago.
very good.

Re: How long long for an Iqama?
 

As Still Unsure has posted up the details, get in touch with Harley Medical Services, they are very knowledgeable and easy to get along with, and have lots of good contacts with the Saudi Embassy. Last summer, the cost was around £300 for the medical and visa applications were around £150. My company wouldn't pay for it, we had to pay ourselves :(

You will def need a medical, but as AFAIK, as the kids are of a young age, they will not need any medicals. Your husband has already had his so that ok. When I came out here, I had a medical BEFORE arriving, and another AFTER getting here! My step daughter didn't need a medical, she is 14.

Don't know how yours will work, but my wife has her own Iqama, as does my s/daughter . For some reason,i thought they would be added to mine, but wasn't the case, they were issued with their own, but as its all computerised now anyway, the Iqama's are all connected via their issue numbers, so if we do get stopped, the police can check who is related to who!

Don't worry about your visa when it comes through, as it will say not allowed to work. This is not true, you are allowed to work if you want to, though you will be taken on local hire, and so consequently, not paid as highly as the expats contracts.