Hi,

I have offered a role with one of the large projects in Saudi. I am just started the visa process and although I don't have a university degree but I am a UK qualified accountant and have a letter of equivalence from my professional body stating this is equivalence a masters degree under UK law. My new employer is saying this won't be accepted and will not be able to get a family visa to bring my wife over. I am very surprised by this but they are saying the authorities are a stickler for this and the third party visa agent also says this won't be accepted by embassy. My recruiter is also shocked and feels there misunderstanding and waiting to hear back.

I have read much conflicting information online but generally seems to indicate this isn't a problem. Any advice or similar issue experienced as will be to be a big impediment to moving now, particularly if my wife cannot join me?

Thanks all in advance.

Are they saying your employer won't sponsor a family visa, or no family visa option available even under your cost and sponsorship?

To be honest I am bit unclear but get the impression they are saying it is just not possible as it is the authorities not the company stipulating this. They are double checking this but this was their initial response.

I have gained access to QVP and cannot see my professional body listed in the drop down , but can see others e.g. India, Pakistan chartered etc, just not UK but can manually enter uk details if I select an overseas entity. So it does seem like professional bodies are accepted somehow. Can’t get a clear answer from Gulf visa either.

Which professional body are you qualified under? There are six different licensing bodies in the UK: Certified, Management, Public Finance, and three different Chartered accounting bodies: England & Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.

it’s ACCA. Employer now suggestion my work visa is described as “operations manager” as work around. It’s seems they are concerned about me getting family visa later on…

ACCA/Oxford Brookes University BSc Attestation - Riyadh forum - Expat.com (Post #14)

This might help but feels like it's more luck/slipped through the net then a solid process.

I was in the same boat (ACA but no degree) and my employer got a visa consultant involved. To guarantee family sponsorship they only really found 2 options:

1. Have your name on the company registration (CR) of your employer (degree not required anymore)
2. Get a premium residency visa (you have to have a specific talent or salary of 80k+, you can google full requirement).

Neither are that readily accessible and no1 requires a willing employer and pre-existing relationship.

Sorry, it's really tough to be in Saudi with family without degree, and please only do it if you find a solid solution or are prepared to be separated. Good luck though and if you find any other solutions please share on the group!

Thanks for your reply. The link is very helpful. It seems to suggest the process should be:

1) Get Certificates verified through an apostille process
2) Ensure the correct job title on VISA
2) Get the letter of equivalence translated for family visa

There was no mention of premium residency in the link.

Thanks again