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Post by celuwah on Jul 25, 2015 18:34:30 GMT
I am a new hire, family status from the UK, GC15 and currently going through the various clearance.
Does anyone know what the current KSA immigration rule is on travelling together with family to KSA? My RA tend to suggest that there is a new immigration rule which does not allow family to travel together to KSA. That I will need to travel first and get my Igama and apply for my family before they can join me.
Can anyone please help and clarify this as I have read on this forum that you can travel together with your family to KSA. Thanks in advance.
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Post by mkimtiaz on Jul 27, 2015 20:10:54 GMT
That's correct, I have been told the same, its a new rule by Saudi Government and unfortunately any new hire has to travel alone first and get his iqama before family visa can be issued, I am in the same boat.
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Post by CanadianBacon on Jul 28, 2015 4:39:13 GMT
I arrived in May and my family came with me, so if it's a government rule it must have come into effect very recently.
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Post by GroveWanderer on Jul 28, 2015 6:17:11 GMT
I believe it varies according to nationality and I am not aware that this is a recent thing. I am a UK citizen and joined the company many years ago - I was not allowed to bring my family with me when I first arrived.
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Post by CanadianBacon on Jul 28, 2015 6:41:00 GMT
We're friends with a family from the UK (London) who arrived about a month before us - they all arrived together. Not sure why they were allowed to do so and others apparently aren't...
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Post by nallebjorn on Jul 28, 2015 10:18:12 GMT
Hi. This has nothing to do with nationality  As per my RA; the Visa applicants from London were given exception so that candidate and family could relocate together but this has been recently changed and harmonised with the visa policy applicable for rest of the world. Candidates shall be required to travel first then arrange sponsorship for their family from KSA after obtaining "Iqama" aka residence permit. Nallebjorn :lol: |
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Post by celuwah on Oct 1, 2015 20:32:50 GMT
An update...,
I will be travelling with my family to KSA. Just received our passports back with visa for everyone.
Not sure if the supposed policy of not travelling with family initially to KSA exist.
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Post by expatinwaiting on Oct 2, 2015 14:19:34 GMT
Assuming I receive clearance from housing-in sha -I will be travelling to KSA with my family in tow. All of us are US passport holders, which seems to make a difference, but this is based on my limited observations and interactions.
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FPEPRO
Advanced Member
Posts: 58
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Post by FPEPRO on Oct 2, 2015 15:38:08 GMT
I had to travel alone, but that is because I am a US citizen, but my wife is not. Because of that, I have to do the degree attestation process, and get my iqama first, then I can request my families visa's. If you are an engineer, also be aware that you will be required to get clearance from the Saudi Council of engineers prior to getting your iqama. That little detail was left out until I was on my way here a couple days ago.
I must note, if my wife was a US citizen, then we all could have arrived together. So that was the sole reason I came alone. However, I must also add that waiting 90 days has its benefits too. It allows you to settle into the home before your family arrives, and make adjustments to your items you plan to bring with you as you figure out what you really need, and don't need. Also, it should additionally be noted that the 90 day deferral of arrival for family is a "no later than" 90 days. They expect your family to be in kingdom within those 90 days. So interpret that as more than one day but less then 90. If you run longer, you will likely lose your family status and have to reapply for family status when the time comes to move.
-CT
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Post by vpainter on Oct 4, 2015 8:59:53 GMT
The policy for those who cannot travel with their families exists for some nationalities. It can depend on GC and position in the company. It can depend on if family housing is available at the time of arrival in kingdom.
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