maff
Member
Posts: 11
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Post by maff on Apr 12, 2019 11:14:23 GMT
I'm in the offer process but want to understand the practicalities/restrictions related to Bachelor status with family at home (UK). Subject to an appropriate offer I would want to travel home 3 times using interim/repat but the key to my decision is whether the family (wife & daughter 7 yo/son 12 yo) could stay in KSA during Christmas 2w/Easter 2w & Summer 8w school holiday. It would be very helpful if someone could PM to provide any personal insight.
I also have a few other questions that would be very grateful if anyone could answer.
1. Does anyone know the current visa term/restrictions for UK family visits? (Of course I will research this separately)
2. Will SA provide any kind of visa support for family visits if working on Bachelor status?
3. Is the standard Bachelor accommodation suitable for family for short stays? During the technical interview they said there are typically two bedrooms.
Is there an option to negotiate a better housing standard on the Bachelor basis on the basis of family periodically staying?
4. I would be working in Exploration, does anyone know where I would likely be placed for accommodation? GC14 offer I think.
Note that family status is not an option due to personal circumstances.
Many thanks
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swan
Senior Member
Posts: 209
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Post by swan on Apr 12, 2019 16:38:41 GMT
You should be able to secure a 2 year multi entry visit Visa for wife and kids. I dont think the visits you are contemplating would be problematic.
You will need SA support as they need to issue the invite letter. On family status, we have had no issues getting parents and parents in law visit visas.
Cant help with the accomadation side.
Just a note: you may wish to consider the 8 week summer visit. It is blisteringly hot, and humid too in August, and many families disappear for much of the summer, so the place feels quite empty. Dhahran camp may be different tho. This is based on living off camp experience.
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Post by omega on Apr 13, 2019 18:43:23 GMT
0. 3x traveling back home shouldnt be an issue, but it all depends on your (future) supervisor, as he needs to sign it off. You can bring your family to Saudi any time you want, provided you get them a visa (which however shouldnt be a problem).
1. No restrictions, as far as i know, and if there had been we would have heard of it.
2. You apply for the visa letter/authorization through Aramco. You will find the details when you get here. With that letter (which is essentially an online authorization), you will process the visa at the Saudi embassy in London (either on your own or most likely through an agent). Again, it's easy and you will find out when you get here the exact (straightforward) process.
3. Your accommodation will most likely be small for a family of 4. No room for negotiation, as the housing assignment is done shortly before you come, and after you have cleared all stages and been issued a visa.
4. Most likely in Dhahran (i.e. Aramco's main camp) as there is plenty of housing availability.
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Post by StarboyX on Apr 13, 2019 20:42:53 GMT
It might be easier to have your family visit / stay in Bahrain, and you could commute back / forth daily or on weekends.
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Post by jimmysan on May 4, 2019 16:21:24 GMT
Hi maff,
I’m waiting for my offer letter and will be working in exploration as well. Could you or anyone else please tell me how many years of experience are considered for a GC14 level. Thanks in advance.
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Post by budyboy on May 4, 2019 17:44:34 GMT
Hi jimmysan & maff
I am in the same boat and waiting for my offer letter as well. Do you guys have any idea about when to expect the offer letter. I assume with Ramadan starting early next week it might be mid June realistically before the offer letter could arrive?
Any thoughts!!
Thanks
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Post by jimmysan on May 4, 2019 18:24:34 GMT
Hi budyboy,
My brother who works for Aramco for seven years or so told me that the time to receive the offer letter is highly variable and it depends on many factors. Urgency for you to start, what department you’ll be working on, etc. He said for his offer it took two months and I asked the time frame to my recruiter and he agreed with my brother. As a lot of people has mentioned in many posts I’ve read, patience is very important in this process and don’t try to compare Aramco timing with your previous experiences. I hope it helps
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Post by budyboy on May 4, 2019 18:52:42 GMT
Thanks Jimmysan. Indeed patience is the key
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maff
Member
Posts: 11
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Post by maff on May 13, 2019 17:22:04 GMT
Hi maff, I’m waiting for my offer letter and will be working in exploration as well. Could you or anyone else please tell me how many years of experience are considered for a GC14 level. Thanks in advance. Sorry I haven't looked into this but I would assume >10 years. |
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maff
Member
Posts: 11
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Post by maff on May 13, 2019 17:24:23 GMT
Hi jimmysan & maff I am in the same boat and waiting for my offer letter as well. Do you guys have any idea about when to expect the offer letter. I assume with Ramadan starting early next week it might be mid June realistically before the offer letter could arrive? Any thoughts!! Thanks I was told 6-8 weeks from the application form being accepted. |
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maff
Member
Posts: 11
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Post by maff on May 13, 2019 17:32:09 GMT
You should be able to secure a 2 year multi entry visit Visa for wife and kids. I dont think the visits you are contemplating would be problematic. You will need SA support as they need to issue the invite letter. On family status, we have had no issues getting parents and parents in law visit visas. Cant help with the accomadation side. Just a note: you may wish to consider the 8 week summer visit. It is blisteringly hot, and humid too in August, and many families disappear for much of the summer, so the place feels quite empty. Dhahran camp may be different tho. This is based on living off camp experience. Swan, thanks for advice re the heat. I don't think I'd have any options as I'd be taking my leave periods outside of UK school hols in order to get as much time as possible with the family. |
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Post by budyboy on May 15, 2019 20:44:16 GMT
Hi jimmysan & maff I am in the same boat and waiting for my offer letter as well. Do you guys have any idea about when to expect the offer letter. I assume with Ramadan starting early next week it might be mid June realistically before the offer letter could arrive? Any thoughts!! Thanks I was told 6-8 weeks from the application form being accepted. Thanks mate. All the best |
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maff
Member
Posts: 11
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Post by maff on Jun 21, 2019 9:46:31 GMT
I've received an offer of employment GC15 on Bachelor status, the only stumbling block is whether my family (wife + 2 kids) can visit during school holidays. The agent doesn't think this is possible, suggested RAA instead, and requested I take this up with the relocation adviser. I've asked for clarification and need a better level of understanding on this situation before accepting the offer. I believe it would be much better for my family if they could visit on camp rather than elsewhere, even I could obtain a better standard of housing with RAA.
Any info would be greatly appreciated!.
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