RT21

Hi all, I was hoping someone could help me with advice in regards my chances of getting visa approval for KSA please.

I have accepted an offer of employment in Riyadh due to start in a month's time. I have started the visa process and have been told all documents needed and process however I have come across what could be a big issue. I knew I would need a police report and thought nothing of it at the time as have had nothing apart from a driving conviction 20 years ago. However after looking into this, I am told I need an ACRO police certificate and this will show 'no live trace' as this conviction was from a long time ago, but then the Saudi embassy would ask for a full subject access to show details of the past conviction. The actual conviction was for driving under the influence of alcohol where I was given a 1 year driving ban and a fine. Obviously I'm not proud of this and was a stupid decision at the time and have never done again. This is recorded as a conviction which will stay on my police record for life, even though now is spent under UK law as I said was 20 years ago. So I am wondering if this will be rejected for a work visa by the Saudi Embassy. Does anyone have any knowledge or advice on this please?

I was wondering if it will not be accepted, is there any option of getting a different visa where the ACRO certificate is not required and then getting this converted to a work visa when I am there.
Any advice or help will be really appreciated, I'm very much starting to think that I won't be able to go.

Thanks very much.

Shenge

I am completely in the same situation. I am also meant to be going to Riyadh next month, and fear the same as you. I have applied for a Subject Access Report, too. Would you like to chat offline?

quiltman

did you get the visa? An update would be helpful to others in a similar position.

EDDY EID

Hi guys,

If this old conviction is listed into your ACRO certificate, this might be a problem, but they should consider that it was spent conviction. Alcohol is prohibited at KSA, so I think they will consider your application.

scot47

Some people go to Saudi on a Business Visa. that does not require clearance. You CANNOT change a Business Visa to one with a work permit after arrival.

EDDY EID

That's right, but it could be your door to secure employment offer / contract, also there are 2 different types of business visas.....known as Commercial visits & Working visits.

scot47

Going on a Business Visa means that you forfeit any protection you might have under the Saudi Labour Code. It also makes banking in Saudi difficult, car rental, getting a mobile phone, remitting money etc. With a business visa you are essentially a "non-person" there.

s.1988

getting a Saudi residency shouldn't be hard

scot47

It is really up to the Saudi sponsor. If he is competent it should be easy, but...........................

EDDY EID

Not for all cases, for instance an American passport holder who has been issued with working visit visa for 5 years/ 180 days per entry will be able to get Saudi bank account,car rental, mobile phone and this is connected to his Saudi sponsor. I processed these applications myself, what's really good about US passport holders is that they have privilege from Saudi sponsors as well as government , more over visa fee is less than all other nationals.

EDDY EID

It's really complicated process..... attestation, legalization, and FCO apostilization for academic certificates, ACRO certificate and medical report. Attestation process takes up to 6 weeks if you are lucky..... visa delegation, work MOFA approval,employer supporting letter approved by SAUDI CoC, .....and more. I would say it's not hard after you have been issued with work visa sticker from Saudi embassy before that it's really long process.

Tonny31

Im in the same situation as you and I'm looking to join a company in Riyadh in September but I wanted to know if you had any luck in getting a visa. Would really appreciate your response as I'm struggling to find out.

I had come across one bloke who mentioned he knew a guy who had got a visa while his acro was showing Dr 10 but still wanted to know others outcome before I take the next step.

Thankyou very much.

Abuayesha

I am currently in the same situation when i was 15 me and some friends were caught shop lifting.. very stupid and its been almost 9years


How did it work out for u and any advice?

Thanks

captainjack

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but its going to take a miracle if you have a conviction on your record to be accepted by the Saudis - they ask for this report specifically for this purpose.

I think you're really hoping they will choose to ignore any convictions on the report but this is why they are asking for it - to see if any exist and then exclude/reject with extreme prejudice.

I really wish it wasnt the case but all those sand storms out there have blinded the Arabs

yassar

Currently in a same situation, I have been told to fill out the ACRO and bring it with me.
My offence was 2011 and my conviction date was 2014.