First day in the company in Saudi Arabia

After the arrival to the company usually the passport will be kept by the officers at the personal department and you will be directed to the clinic for the medical test. Even if we got the medical exam passed in Sri Lanka there is another test after the arrival. If we fail from the medical test in Saudi Arabia then most probably we will be sent back home.

After having passed the medical test then our documents will be sent for the Saudi Authorities for the preparation of IQAMA (Identity Card in Saudi). Then time taken for the process depends on the authorities’ decision. It was 2 months for mine and I had to stay in the companies’ accommodation without going outside from the camp.

Sometimes on our request, the personal depart issues a letter in Arabic with the visa copy if we need to go outside. My advice is better not to go outside if there is no one with you who can speak Arabic. Most of the police officers can’t understand even the Arabic.  If we are inspected outside by a police officer and if we don’t have the IQAMA then we will be ended up in the jail. Until an officer from the personal department of your company comes to the police station and get you released. If you don’t have the IQAMA, then don’t go outside until you receive it.

When you receive the IQAMA, check with someone whether job category is correct. It’s not allowed to do any other job other than the job mentioned in the IQAMA.

While the documentation process you will be asked to sign the agreement with company that’s the original one which we sign with the company. Read it very carefully before you sign. Sometimes there are discrepancies and make sure that all the agreed facilities are mentioned there in the agreement.

Some companies date the agreement on the exact date that we left the home country but some companies they change it. If the construction site is located outside the companies’ accommodation most probably you will be asked to stay in the accommodation until you receive the IQAMA. After receiving the IQAMA remember to buy a registered sim card under your name as it will be very important when you are dealing with future activities. Don’t keep a sim card belongs to someone’s IQAMA number because it will trouble you if found by police.

Whenever or wherever you go outside make sure that you have the IQAMA with you.

After landing in Saudi Arabia

This is what I experienced in Saudi Arabia at  King Abdulaziz International Airport - Jeddah

After landing the flight we were transferred to the Immigration counter for the documentation and there were few lines. At the counter they asked to face the camera which is mounted on the counter and also finger prints were scanned. It took more than twenty five minutes for that as they were chatting with other colleagues going here and there while the finger prints were scanned, they were very slow. One of my friends stayed beside the counter for half an hour without knowing any reason. When he asked the officer at the counter he signaled with his fingers that he needs some time but he didn't mention anything because most of the officers do not understand English. It’s very difficult to communicate with them.

After the Immigration process we came to the Baggage area and the bags were thrown here and there my baggage was almost broken and my friend’s baggage wheels were totally broken.

Once the documentation process is over make sure to rush to the baggage area because there is no any authorized officer to take care of.

When we were going there one lady has taken my friends bag and she was yelling at us that’s her bag. After few minutes talking to that lady and helping her to find her bag, then we could sort-out the problem.

All the bags were scanned next to the baggage area.

Make sure any offensive item against the Saudi’s Government will not be allowed to bring outside the airport.

Below are several sources where you can get information.

http://www.saudiairlines.com/portal/site/saudiairlines/menuitem.d9a467d070ca6c65173ff63dc8f034a0/?vgnextoid=fd5a10f9517e1310VgnVCM100000d59618acRCRD

http://www.blueabaya.com/2012/05/expats-guide-flying-to-saudi.html

If you have a companies’ representative waiting at the airport make sure you have his mobile number since it is very difficult find someone there as the airport is always in a rush because of the MAKKAH tourists.

If you are hiring a taxi make sure you exactly know the destination unless they will play with your money.

You can buy a temporary sim card at the airport as there are many workers selling sim cards. Usually you can buy a “Mobily sim card for USD 10.00” and it has a reload of 10 Saudi riyals.