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Post by avi8er on Jun 12, 2012 20:20:33 GMT
Does anyone know if entry to KSA will be delayed due to upcomming Ramadan? I just entered the visa stage of my relocation and my best guess on leaving for KSA would be in the middle of Ramadan. Would I be relocated during Ramadan or will I be on hold until afterwards. Is anyone familiar with what has been done in the past?
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Post by vpainter on Jun 13, 2012 2:14:59 GMT
Yes, things do slow down during Ramadan, but people do come in during this time. It is a slow time to get iqamas and residential visas, so your timeline for those may be slower.
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Post by Hadia on Jun 13, 2012 3:17:23 GMT
Avi8tor, I sent you a PM. Our family of five arrived right in the middle of Ramadan last year. We had a very, very rough experience as new arrivals. If you do arrive during Ramadan, I hope things have improved for new arrivals and that you'll have a more positive experience. The advantage to arriving in summer is that you can explore your surroundings while it's pretty quiet and if you have kids, they'll be able to start school on the first day of the year.
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Post by Hsara on Jun 13, 2012 5:38:51 GMT
I will be relocated to Saudia on August the 13th which will be in the midlle of Ramadan. Hopefully all will go smoothly :wink:
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Uman
Senior Member
Posts: 161
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Post by Uman on Jun 13, 2012 14:36:46 GMT
Hopefully....Paitience is required, especially here.
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Post by expatwife on Jun 14, 2012 21:36:11 GMT
Hi Hadia,
We will arrive July 29th, with 2 young kids. How long did it take for you to get your iqama? Can you pm me with the issues that we may encounter so I can plan or prepare ahead. Thank you so much!
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Post by Hsara on Jun 14, 2012 22:39:59 GMT
I have the pre-location orientation meeting earlier today which was extremely useful and informative. I was told that during Ramadan, all activities will slow down a bit but still functioning - Iqama could take between 3 to 4 weeks during Ramdan - until the Iqama and multi-entry visa is issued, you are not allowed to travel outside the country. Without Iqama, you cannot open local bank account nor apply for driving licence.
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Post by soverydeb on Jun 15, 2012 3:38:04 GMT
I arrived during Ramadam last year (beginning of September) and it took until mid October to get my iqama. It's a long process when the entire government practically shuts down. So be prepared for a long wait.  |
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Post by Hadia on Jun 15, 2012 8:03:05 GMT
We arrived last August, right during Ramadan. We got the Iqamas in October. One big problem about not having the Iqama: no ability to apply for Saudi driver's license. You can use your home country's license for a month, but after that, they presume you'd get your Saudi license. That means driving on home country license beyond the month allowed. Could be problematic if you get pulled over or are involved in an accident.... Also, without Iqama, you can't open local bank account or purchase/finance a car.
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Post by expatwife on Jun 15, 2012 10:35:04 GMT
Thank you for all the answers. Good to know what to expect  |
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