Life and work in Riyadh
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 100
Life and work in Riyadh
Hi,
Great forum, glad I found it.
Basics: Looks like I'll be offered a job in Riyadh, working in a big (local) bank. I've been asked to travel to Saudi, get my feet on the ground, have several more interviews, visit some compounds, meet some expat families.
I have a wife, young daughter, and possibly a 2nd little one on the way (they do pop out at the most unbelievable times..)
So, I've searched the forums for general info, and to address some more specific queries. I'm sure there is more I do need to know, but just trying to get all my ducks in a row prior to the journey out, so I can nail everything in one go. So, here are my questions for the forum, hope you can help:
1) We'll be visiting some compounds. I have a housing allowance, though not sure about guranteed compound spot. Is it the norm to put a definitive request in for the provision of a spot at a good compound? What influence/options to organisations have in this respect? I have read it's best to bring cash/cheque etc when visiting compounds, is this to put down a deposit..or to (ahem)..line a pocket or 2 and move up the list? (sorry, have to ask). This really would be a deal breaker if the right housing is not available. If you know someone at a compund, can they help expedite the process? (would be looking for a 3 bed villa/apt).
2) Family. I hate to think I'll be without my family for up to 3 months - is this the norm for a move such as this? i.e. I move out to commence work, then the family visa process is initiated, taking around 3 months. What ae some experiences with this, how hard have you found it? Is it possible for the family to come over sooner on a different visa type?
I have other questions, but will continue to search forums..hope to tackle the above 2 as a priority, so appreciate the feedback and guidance.
We're excited about the move, if it works out it will be a big step up for me and an excellent opportunity to save cash, as well as a real cultural experience for our family, so keen to make sure I do everything possible to make it work.
Great forum, glad I found it.
Basics: Looks like I'll be offered a job in Riyadh, working in a big (local) bank. I've been asked to travel to Saudi, get my feet on the ground, have several more interviews, visit some compounds, meet some expat families.
I have a wife, young daughter, and possibly a 2nd little one on the way (they do pop out at the most unbelievable times..)
So, I've searched the forums for general info, and to address some more specific queries. I'm sure there is more I do need to know, but just trying to get all my ducks in a row prior to the journey out, so I can nail everything in one go. So, here are my questions for the forum, hope you can help:
1) We'll be visiting some compounds. I have a housing allowance, though not sure about guranteed compound spot. Is it the norm to put a definitive request in for the provision of a spot at a good compound? What influence/options to organisations have in this respect? I have read it's best to bring cash/cheque etc when visiting compounds, is this to put down a deposit..or to (ahem)..line a pocket or 2 and move up the list? (sorry, have to ask). This really would be a deal breaker if the right housing is not available. If you know someone at a compund, can they help expedite the process? (would be looking for a 3 bed villa/apt).
2) Family. I hate to think I'll be without my family for up to 3 months - is this the norm for a move such as this? i.e. I move out to commence work, then the family visa process is initiated, taking around 3 months. What ae some experiences with this, how hard have you found it? Is it possible for the family to come over sooner on a different visa type?
I have other questions, but will continue to search forums..hope to tackle the above 2 as a priority, so appreciate the feedback and guidance.
We're excited about the move, if it works out it will be a big step up for me and an excellent opportunity to save cash, as well as a real cultural experience for our family, so keen to make sure I do everything possible to make it work.
#2
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 872
Re: Life and work in Riyadh
Hi,
Great forum, glad I found it.
Basics: Looks like I'll be offered a job in Riyadh, working in a big (local) bank. I've been asked to travel to Saudi, get my feet on the ground, have several more interviews, visit some compounds, meet some expat families.
I have a wife, young daughter, and possibly a 2nd little one on the way (they do pop out at the most unbelievable times..)
So, I've searched the forums for general info, and to address some more specific queries. I'm sure there is more I do need to know, but just trying to get all my ducks in a row prior to the journey out, so I can nail everything in one go. So, here are my questions for the forum, hope you can help:
1) We'll be visiting some compounds. I have a housing allowance, though not sure about guranteed compound spot. Is it the norm to put a definitive request in for the provision of a spot at a good compound? What influence/options to organisations have in this respect? I have read it's best to bring cash/cheque etc when visiting compounds, is this to put down a deposit..or to (ahem)..line a pocket or 2 and move up the list? (sorry, have to ask). This really would be a deal breaker if the right housing is not available. If you know someone at a compund, can they help expedite the process? (would be looking for a 3 bed villa/apt).
2) Family. I hate to think I'll be without my family for up to 3 months - is this the norm for a move such as this? i.e. I move out to commence work, then the family visa process is initiated, taking around 3 months. What ae some experiences with this, how hard have you found it? Is it possible for the family to come over sooner on a different visa type?
I have other questions, but will continue to search forums..hope to tackle the above 2 as a priority, so appreciate the feedback and guidance.
We're excited about the move, if it works out it will be a big step up for me and an excellent opportunity to save cash, as well as a real cultural experience for our family, so keen to make sure I do everything possible to make it work.
Great forum, glad I found it.
Basics: Looks like I'll be offered a job in Riyadh, working in a big (local) bank. I've been asked to travel to Saudi, get my feet on the ground, have several more interviews, visit some compounds, meet some expat families.
I have a wife, young daughter, and possibly a 2nd little one on the way (they do pop out at the most unbelievable times..)
So, I've searched the forums for general info, and to address some more specific queries. I'm sure there is more I do need to know, but just trying to get all my ducks in a row prior to the journey out, so I can nail everything in one go. So, here are my questions for the forum, hope you can help:
1) We'll be visiting some compounds. I have a housing allowance, though not sure about guranteed compound spot. Is it the norm to put a definitive request in for the provision of a spot at a good compound? What influence/options to organisations have in this respect? I have read it's best to bring cash/cheque etc when visiting compounds, is this to put down a deposit..or to (ahem)..line a pocket or 2 and move up the list? (sorry, have to ask). This really would be a deal breaker if the right housing is not available. If you know someone at a compund, can they help expedite the process? (would be looking for a 3 bed villa/apt).
2) Family. I hate to think I'll be without my family for up to 3 months - is this the norm for a move such as this? i.e. I move out to commence work, then the family visa process is initiated, taking around 3 months. What ae some experiences with this, how hard have you found it? Is it possible for the family to come over sooner on a different visa type?
I have other questions, but will continue to search forums..hope to tackle the above 2 as a priority, so appreciate the feedback and guidance.
We're excited about the move, if it works out it will be a big step up for me and an excellent opportunity to save cash, as well as a real cultural experience for our family, so keen to make sure I do everything possible to make it work.
i'll have a crack at answering #1 for you, some of the others have family here and will be better placed to answer that one...
the idea of having cheque/cash available is for the deposit and not necessarily to grease the wheels (haven't needed to do so myself, and haven't heard if any grease is necessary when it comes to compounds?) basically, a compound either has a vacancy there and then, has one in a week or two, or doesn't like the look of you and will 'put you on the list'. the idea of the cash is to address the first two scenarios because the idea of a list here seems to be the path of least resistance; if you're standing in front of me with a cheque book / cash, it's less work for me than to go over to the list and start calling people. if they do say a couple of weeks, get a firm date and still make the deposit. if they don't need to take a deposit, be careful, that may just be the brush off or the date is most likely a few months away.
i'm not sure about leveraging in regards to a compound. one thing to look out for is that some companies have been burnt by compounds in the past by getting the company to sign a guarantee over and above a safety deposit and once the tenant has left, some dodgy claims have been made to the company to fix up problems. for that reason, i know my company was unwilling to sign the guarantee, but was happy to provide a confirmation of service letter (required) and it was all smooth sailing.
very good idea to come out and have a look around, do you know how long you'll be in town for? it would might help with your impression to be here on a weekend to try and get a feel of riyadh life outside the 9 - 5pm (which, incidentally, is more 8 - 4pm in the magic kingdom)
best of luck and i'll let the more experienced members of the bored fill in the gaps/rebuke my responses...
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Riyadh, Saudi
Posts: 61
Re: Life and work in Riyadh
Have to agree with previous post on compounds-really depends on timing and luck! Ofcourse if your company has villas on its books, it does help-these tend to be "unavailable" even when not occupied given the shortage.
On the residence permit, took me about 4 weeks to get it and family was here by week 6.
On the residence permit, took me about 4 weeks to get it and family was here by week 6.
#4
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 100
Re: Life and work in Riyadh
Thanks for the replies - and for clarifying the compound query - it makes sense. My (could be) employer recently mentioned vacancies are on the increase (or availability is getting better) as the financial crisis is pulling more expats back home..for those over there, is this a feeling you are getting?
#5
Re: Life and work in Riyadh
Thanks for the replies - and for clarifying the compound query - it makes sense. My (could be) employer recently mentioned vacancies are on the increase (or availability is getting better) as the financial crisis is pulling more expats back home..for those over there, is this a feeling you are getting?
#6
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 872
Re: Life and work in Riyadh
Thanks for the replies - and for clarifying the compound query - it makes sense. My (could be) employer recently mentioned vacancies are on the increase (or availability is getting better) as the financial crisis is pulling more expats back home..for those over there, is this a feeling you are getting?
#7
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 100
Re: Life and work in Riyadh
So if I'm offered a villa/flat in e.g. "2 weeks time" or on the spot, pay the deposit-I guess that would also mean paying the rent on an empty house until I arrive formally for work? This could be 2 or 3 months from what I have read on this forum - of course I will do my best to speed up the process, though I'm guessing there's only so much one can influence.
Anyone done this? Guess it would be the difference between accepting the job and not, so probably not a bad thing to do. I can always sub-let to a few of you guys...
Anyone done this? Guess it would be the difference between accepting the job and not, so probably not a bad thing to do. I can always sub-let to a few of you guys...
#8
Re: Life and work in Riyadh
As you may have already have discovered, once you arrive here in KSA ( after doing all the medical health checks ) , you will probably need to do another medical in Kingdom. Once this one comes back clear,you will be issued with your Iqama - the Residency Permit.
The Iqama is also your ID so you carry this around with you at all times,and this is also the key to getting your family over as soon as possible. Getting the Iqama takes about two weeks from arriving. THe processing of the family visa - if all is in order - can be done quickly, but again you may expect to wait around three months before the family can join you, as your wife will also have to do the medicals.
It is tough being away from the family, but you can use that three months to sort out education for the kid(s) and maybe look at what your wife can do whilst she is over here. Compound life can seem life a imprisonment, as women are not allowed to drive, so she will be somewhat restricted to where she can go unless she has a driver or unlimited use of a taxi!
Best of luck.
The Iqama is also your ID so you carry this around with you at all times,and this is also the key to getting your family over as soon as possible. Getting the Iqama takes about two weeks from arriving. THe processing of the family visa - if all is in order - can be done quickly, but again you may expect to wait around three months before the family can join you, as your wife will also have to do the medicals.
It is tough being away from the family, but you can use that three months to sort out education for the kid(s) and maybe look at what your wife can do whilst she is over here. Compound life can seem life a imprisonment, as women are not allowed to drive, so she will be somewhat restricted to where she can go unless she has a driver or unlimited use of a taxi!
Best of luck.
#9
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: in purgatory, awaiting visa to ksa
Posts: 17
Re: Life and work in Riyadh
As you may have already have discovered, once you arrive here in KSA ( after doing all the medical health checks ) , you will probably need to do another medical in Kingdom. Once this one comes back clear,you will be issued with your Iqama - the Residency Permit.
The Iqama is also your ID so you carry this around with you at all times,and this is also the key to getting your family over as soon as possible. Getting the Iqama takes about two weeks from arriving. THe processing of the family visa - if all is in order - can be done quickly, but again you may expect to wait around three months before the family can join you, as your wife will also have to do the medicals.
It is tough being away from the family, but you can use that three months to sort out education for the kid(s) and maybe look at what your wife can do whilst she is over here. Compound life can seem life a imprisonment, as women are not allowed to drive, so she will be somewhat restricted to where she can go unless she has a driver or unlimited use of a taxi!
Best of luck.
The Iqama is also your ID so you carry this around with you at all times,and this is also the key to getting your family over as soon as possible. Getting the Iqama takes about two weeks from arriving. THe processing of the family visa - if all is in order - can be done quickly, but again you may expect to wait around three months before the family can join you, as your wife will also have to do the medicals.
It is tough being away from the family, but you can use that three months to sort out education for the kid(s) and maybe look at what your wife can do whilst she is over here. Compound life can seem life a imprisonment, as women are not allowed to drive, so she will be somewhat restricted to where she can go unless she has a driver or unlimited use of a taxi!
Best of luck.
#11
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: in purgatory, awaiting visa to ksa
Posts: 17
Re: Life and work in Riyadh
i was being sarcasitic. it s the biggest bane in my life. misses 11 mo pregnant and taking care of our three year old whilst living with mother in law. lucky me
#12
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 872
Re: Life and work in Riyadh