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.