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Post by BBQ10 on Apr 8, 2014 21:59:48 GMT
"In practice, however, the block visa system is often the single biggest headache for employers attempting to move resources to Saudi Arabia. Lead time, level of detail required and abuse of the system are some of the reasons why those two little words, “block visa”, strike fear into the hearts of the toughest and most experienced HR directors." From: www.totallyexpat.memberlodge.com ... 0final.doc This document was mentioned by someone else in another discussion on this forum. I thought I'd share it as it's quite a useful overview of visa blocks/visa les. |
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Post by crooner on Apr 8, 2014 22:18:13 GMT
Hi Erdna_oaoj,
Can you give details on the medical tests an employee must undergo when you arrive in Kingdom?
Thanks
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Post by vpainter on Apr 9, 2014 7:28:25 GMT
Albatro, Please do a search on the forum for "timeline" there are many posts showing the actual time for each stage of the hiring process. The time can be short or long and all timelines are normal.
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Post by David_and_Nita on Apr 9, 2014 10:47:29 GMT
crooner,
My recollection is that you have to repeat the visa medical blood work before your Iqama is processed.
My recollection is also that it is no more extensive than the tests that are done in Houston. You make an appt with the clinic, go in, they take your blood etc, and you leave.
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Post by erdna_oaoj on Apr 9, 2014 13:03:38 GMT
That's correct the procedure is the same as the one done for the medical visa. I'm just not sure if the blood tests themselves are exactly the same or if they check other markers as well, that's what I meant with the possibility of being for "extensive".
Of course if biometrics are added there are some biometric figures to be add to that.
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Post by erdna_oaoj on Apr 9, 2014 17:53:14 GMT
Albatro,
Nobody can really give you a precise date. If your documents where only sent one month ago your timeline is perfectly normal, most of us here who are waiting for the visa blocks to be released are waiting for more then a couple o months now, some since October / November last year.
All you need is patience....
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Post by Washingtonian on Apr 10, 2014 16:50:26 GMT
Talked to my RA yesterday after two weeks. Still no update, ASC won't tell what the issue is between Aramco and the government.
So, will be renewing visa medical soon.
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Post by David_and_Nita on Apr 10, 2014 19:04:21 GMT
Update:
No word
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Post by erdna_oaoj on Apr 10, 2014 19:25:28 GMT
David_and_Nita,
Same here !!! Restart expectation for next week.. Insh !
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ikh
Member
Posts: 17
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Post by ikh on Apr 10, 2014 23:24:08 GMT
No update from my ## either.
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cgyguy
Advanced Member
Posts: 90
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Post by cgyguy on Apr 11, 2014 1:07:02 GMT
All,
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I understood that some people on this forum have sent the passports to ASC (therefor have been requested by their respective Relos) even without visa les already obtained by them?
Mine told me that she would request mine once all is ready to be sent to the embassy.
Regards
Cgyguy
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Post by David_and_Nita on Apr 11, 2014 1:25:18 GMT
She asked for them so we sent them in. Got 'em back after they told us there are no visas.
I got another update coming but it looks like probably next week we will bring them back in.
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Post by crooner on Apr 11, 2014 15:09:56 GMT
Good Morning Everyone!
This forum has been super helpful in keeping my sanity seeing others who are in the same boat as us. There is comfort in our solidarity as we wait for the promised life and big dreams we have vested.
Quick question: what does "##" stand for?
Shukran!
Crooner
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Post by O&GEngg on Apr 11, 2014 15:20:08 GMT
cgyguy,
The way I have come to understand the process is that ASC applies for a whole bunch of visas les in a "block". All of these visas are positions that they are currently hiring for. Once the visa les have been approved by KSA they are sent back to ASC. Depending on where a person is at in the hiring process they can have their name attached to a position before the visas get applied for (before the block goes in). Otherwise, once the visa block comes back ASC can attach your name to a visa le and send it back in for approval.
If your name is attached to the le BEFORE the block goes in and the visa comes back approved you're good to go as soon as the block comes back.
If your name is attached to a le AFTER the block comes back it only takes 2-3 weeks (or so ASC says) to get your visa approved.
Again, this is the way that I understand it....someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
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Post by GroveWanderer on Apr 11, 2014 18:23:54 GMT
I think that a few recent posts are misinterpreting what biometrics were being talked about in the Arab News article that was referenced. In terms of the passport department (which is what we're talking about here) it refers to fingerprint information being recorded. It has nothing to do with medical tests. Also, as far as what is mentioned in the article this would only apply to women already in the Kingdom (those getting new iqamas or leaving on a final exit visa).
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