tanz
Member
Posts: 17
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Post by tanz on Jan 19, 2015 7:42:30 GMT
Hi guys,
We are set to depart in early March (now waiting for flight tickets)! But I heard from a ex-colleague that there is a chance that we won't be able to safekeep our own passports. I remember reading somewhere that this is not true but as with all cases, I think confirming is always more prudent.
Can someone kindly confirm that we can a) safekeep our own passports and b) wives and children are free to enter/leave the country with no restrictions?
Thanks as always, much appreciated for your replies!
Cheers
tanz
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Maursh
Senior Member
Posts: 169
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Post by Maursh on Jan 19, 2015 12:45:34 GMT
We safeguard our own passports (notwithstanding having iqamas, visas and so on being issued)
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Post by gareth0127 on Jan 19, 2015 14:05:10 GMT
You can come and go as you please as long as your multi visa is valid
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Sanroy12
Member
I am an Intercultural Trainer, Thanatologist and Global Mobility Specialist
Posts: 21
Job Status: Retired Employee / Spouse
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Post by Sanroy12 on Jan 21, 2015 19:50:44 GMT
I guess you read this from other companies that do withheld passports but this is for other circumstances. I always say that the best person to answer that question is your relocation partner.
But also, you should be able to leave the country as you please as long as you have your multi entry visas and make sure you always log in your exit and entries in the Saudi Arabia government page. This information should be in your presentation or ask your relocation partner too.
Restrictions are only for muslim women.
Sanroy12
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Post by Shammal on Jan 22, 2015 9:20:45 GMT
Aramco suggests that you leave your Iqama with them for safe keeping and not to take it outside of the country.
I've taken mine with me just in case on a trip to Bahrain and to the UAE. Both cases the Saudi officials asked for our iqama's and were perplexed that I was crossing the border without iqamas for the rest of my family.
I believe its true that you technically don't need it, especially since that information should be in your passport and in their database already, but the border agents either don't know or don't care and will ask you for it anyway.
The only time I've been without our passports has been while Visa's were being processed.
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Post by GroveWanderer on Jan 25, 2015 8:15:44 GMT
"Aramco suggests that you leave your Iqama with them for safe keeping [...]"
While I believe this used to be the case once upon a time, I have not heard this advice (and certainly not from any official source) any time recently.
In fact, I can tell you from personal experience that you it is a good idea to always carry your iqama with you while in kingdom. It is the only form of ID that is acceptable to many authorities (if you're not carrying your passport) including the police/security forces if you get stopped at a check-point and have to produce proof of ideny.
Some years ago, it used to be that your Saudi Aramco ID card was considered sufficient, especially in the Eastern Province but that has not been the case for many years now, as far as I am aware.
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Post by Shammal on Jan 25, 2015 9:23:06 GMT
Actually this is suggested in the current new hire checklist under the Iqama heading-
"Once you have finished formalities requiring your iqama, it is recommended that you return your iqama to your area passport office for their safe keeping. Keep a photocopy of your iqama if you wish. If you lose your iqama, you will be subject to a fine."
"Never leave Saudi Arabia with your iqama.."
Perhaps this should be updated as well as all of the broken links on the HR - New Hire webpage
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Post by GroveWanderer on Jan 27, 2015 12:11:57 GMT
"Once you have finished formalities requiring your iqama, it is recommended that you return your iqama to your area passport office for their safe keeping. Keep a photocopy of your iqama if you wish. If you lose your iqama, you will be subject to a fine."
Well, I had not seen that advice but I'd have to say I disagree with it. Yes, if you lose your iqama you will be subject to a fine. But if you travel without it (especially in areas outside the Eastern Province) you could be arrested. There was one famous incident in Yanbu when I worked there, where all the passengers on an Aramco shopping bus spent the night in jail because none of them had their iqamas with them.
I am not aware that a photocopy is considered adequate by the relevant authorities. Maybe it is but I don't think I'd like to put that theory to the test. Between the risk of a fine and the risk of spending time in a local jail, I know which I would prefer.
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Post by vpainter on Jan 30, 2015 14:30:40 GMT
I agree, keep your iqama with you at all times: inside and outside of the kingdom. I have had to show my iqama many times in the states to board a plane back to Bahrain.
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