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Post by erdna_oaoj on Apr 26, 2014 9:04:34 GMT
aussie_hopeful, I liked when you said that everybody is thinking that all this thing is made up! It happens the same with me, we're waiting since last December so you guess what people are thinking  Insh !! |
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Post by boban on Apr 26, 2014 20:25:26 GMT
Hi guys, my shaman told me that it will definitely happen this year, so don't worry, we are on the track! Seriously - I think it MUST happen soon, as they will probably want to finish everything before start of Ramadan, which is 26-27th June this year.... Knowing that date, and counting on one month notice period for most of us, I am counting that visa blocks will be released max until mid May, so we can clear our visas by end of May and to join end of June.... Ramadan is not an easy period for newcomers to Middle East. Eating, drinking and smoking is not allowed in public places, and in front of Muslim colleagues from sunrise to sunset... Restaurants are not working until 6-6:30 pm (sunrise). I am living last 5 years in Bahrain, which is not so extreme (some restaurants do home/office delivery), but in KSA everything is closed during the day, it's mandatory! However, it's a good and interesting experience....you will see yourselves. Maybe some of your colleagues will invite you for a dinner at their place (for "Iftar" - first meal after the sunset). Also, in the line with current timeline situation, my advice to some of you guys planning to come with families - try to delay they arrival by mid/end of August(of course, if possible), as there is no point to bring your wives and kids when most of the expat families are leaving for 2 month summer holiday(July/August). Compounds are mostly empty during the summer, so it will not be a good starting experience, specially for kids..... Just thinking out loud here, don't get me wrong Cheers! |
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Post by David_and_Nita on Apr 26, 2014 21:24:04 GMT
We probably might consider it under other circumstances - like say - for instance - if they were right across the causeway in Bahrain.
Otherwise, after this visa snafu there is none, zero - chance of leaving family behind hoping to "schedule a KSA visa for them sometime later".
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Wutz
Senior Member
Posts: 143
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Post by Wutz on Apr 27, 2014 4:38:47 GMT
David_and_Nita,
You don't necessarily have to wait to get a visa for family if you arrive first. Visas are valid for entry within 90 days of issue. In my case, my family got visas at the same time as me, but arrived six weeks later (for school year reasons).
It worked out nice, as the company let us split our eBox and sea shipments in two halves. So I was able to reconnointer at bit, and tell my wife what size fridge to buy and put in the second shipment as well as kitchen tiles, rugs, etc.
Delaying for weather or social life reasons strikes me as not at all unreasonable.
Wutz
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Post by bluebelle on Apr 27, 2014 8:50:59 GMT
We are travelling to KSA in the beginning of July... with two small children.. So the worst time EVER if I understand correctly. :?:
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Post by BBQ10 on Apr 27, 2014 9:19:51 GMT
In September, I was told that I would be travelling in December. It's almost May and I still haven't. I don't want to stress you out unnecessarily, but keep in mind that it may take a lot longer than that. Hopefully, it won't.  aussie hopeful, so many people ask me those questions on a regular basis! I.e., "Are you sure this is legit?" "What do you mean they have your PASSPORT?" "Are you STILL here?" "Perhaps you should look for something else." "Have you STILL not heard anything?" "Are you sure you got the job - I mean you signed a contract, right?" :lol: |
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Post by boban on Apr 27, 2014 9:36:30 GMT
bluebelle, Hi, well, honestly from June to mid September its the worst time to start Middle East adventure. Most of the expat moms/kids are leaving home during summer holidays, so all compounds are quite empty (only fathers are left behind ) , its sooo hot, so you will not be able to go out during the day even to relax in the pool. You will feel that you are living in Ghost town. Plus, it's Ramadan until end of July, so even the malls/shops will be closed during the day..... I think its always better that your husband goes first, and then, you can come mid August with the kids, as many expats will begin coming back to prepare for school. You know, that first impression is always the most important , so if you were never living in Middle East, and its your first time to come here, better come later, you will not regret. Of course, this is my individual opinion and friendly advice. It's on your family to decide what is the best for you. If you need further info, do not hesitate to send me a pm Cheers! |
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Post by David_and_Nita on Apr 27, 2014 13:13:57 GMT
Wutz,
The post was in regards to delaying until mid/late August, currently four months away
Since they can't start application for family Iqama until employee Iqama has been received a 4-6 week delay in family arrival, assuming all of the visas were initially issued together, and assuming employee arrived within 30 days of visa issue date, would probably not make a difference.
NOTE: Watch dependent visa expiration date very carefully. If you don't have an extension or Iqama for them before their visas expire it's a pretty serious matter.
You want LOTS of time to process that extension / Iqama - at least 2 weeks. So in planning a delayed arrival it is advised to take that into account.
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Post by David_and_Nita on Apr 27, 2014 13:50:39 GMT
bluebelle,
Yes, it is.
We have 2 little ones as well. We are not looking forward to arriving at/around Ramadan either.
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Post by bluebelle on Apr 27, 2014 17:22:05 GMT
Well, we are good to go, visa are there, contingencies cleared. We just have to wait because my husband has a 3 month-notice period, which we were able to shorten with vacation days. In the first week of July our visas will expire, so it's key we arrive before that.
I was very much looking forward to leave for KSA in 2 months, now I am having doubts.
But I don't want to travel without my husband, so I guess we'll just have to take it as it is.
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Post by fgonza on Apr 27, 2014 20:17:45 GMT
New week, same hope and faith. Any news regarding visa blocks approval.
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Post by crooner on Apr 28, 2014 16:14:41 GMT
Greetings Fellow Friends in limbo!
I know most of the comments posted on this forum are hearsay and should be taken with a grain of salt, but I wanted you all to know I have heard some positive news over the past 48 hours.
I have a trusted resource working in KSA now who just informed me that the Saudi Embassy has just released a Visa block. I dropped a note to my relo adviser this morning and they said they had heard the same thing and are hopping to have les by next week!
I don't want to get anyone's hopes up but there seems to finally be some movement and hopefully some of us will be heading out to the great sand dune.
Shukran,
Crooner
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Post by TexasFamily4 on Apr 28, 2014 16:56:39 GMT
That's great news -- thanks much Crooner!!
We've heard similar "promises" in the past, but perhaps none quite this specific, so I will remain cautiously optimistic. But appreciate you sharing -- lately any news is better than no news, as it has become more difficult to remain optimistic as the time passes.
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Post by David_and_Nita on Apr 28, 2014 21:15:35 GMT
I hope that this resource knows that Saudi embassies don't release visa les, the Labor Ministry does.
With that in mind, we returned our passports this morning.
Prediction: Visa les early next week (Houston). 8)
Different source, same story
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Post by BBQ10 on Apr 29, 2014 7:00:59 GMT
It's the same story that I posted about two weeks ago on the 17th of April. I guess it's a good thing that more people are hearing it! Well, the week is still kind of young...
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