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WORKING IN SAUDI

Are you contemplating working in Saudi ? If you've never worked in Saudi, then you will need to do some serious reading on the law, etiquette, and social behaviour..all of which will be necessary so that you don't give offence..or worse end up in trouble with the law!

To work in Saudi, you'll need a sponsor...you have to be invited into the Kingdom.

When you get there your employer will keep your passport...you'll get a copy of it...but you won't see it again until you leave the country...and to do that, you'll need an exit/re-entry visa which you can only get if your employer agrees. Confused ? You should be OK provided you keep your company identity badge with you and the copy of your passport AT ALL TIMES...failure to produce any document when asked for by the police can involve a visit to the police station.

It normally takes around 3 months until you get your formal residency permit – called the iqama..

again you'll need to keep this with you at all times.

Your contract and costs involved with obtaining all necessary paperwork are your employer's responsibility. You can check the Labour Law contained in Decree M/51 dated 23/8 1426..there is an English translation online – whilst I wouldn't call it “ a good read” it's worthwhile taking a quick look .

There are a lot of good sources and forums on the web which you should look at. Get a feel for the issues and get contractors' views on the do' s and don't s. You have to remember that Saudi is an Islamic absolute monarchy - everything is governed by Islamic law.


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