American Bedu

The type of visa one receives prior to arrival in the Kingdom can make a big difference in lifestyle and choices.  It is pretty typical for large organizations which sponsor employees to provide them with a single entry visa.  Basically with a single entry visa one must get a new visa each time after leaving the Kingdom in order to return.  Whereas a multi-entry visa allows one to enter and exit pretty much at will.

 Before writing more on the pros and cons though of multi versus single entry visa one should be aware that on arrival in the Kingdom and if sponsored by an employer, you will likely have to hand your passport over to your employer for retention.  This is a pretty standard procedure.  Before doing so make sure you have several photocopies of your passport as well as of the Saudi visa too. 

Now, back to types of visas, most individuals naturally prefer to receive a multi-entry visa for the additional flexibility to take weekend trips to Bahrain, Dubai, Doha or other nearby countries.  Many employers however will only provide an employee with a single entry visa for a number of reasons and predominantly focused around control. 

 The Kingdom is not for everyone and an adjustment period is required.  A single entry visa prevents an employee from just deciding “enough is enough” and simply take off on that next available flight.  The same reasons apply in the case of not wanting an employee with a multi-entry to try and skip out of the Kingdom in the event of monies being owed; absconding with cash or other valuables; having some kind of an altercation or problem and trying to flee rather than face the authorities.  Additionally, a single entry costs more than a multi-entry this is another reason it is typical for an employer to only sponsor for a single entry visa. 

 However some employers may submit a request for a multi-entry visa if the employee offers to pay the associated costs.  Bear in mind when making the request of an employer to also have some justification on how it would be enhancing and effective for the employer to do this.  Trust is usually required as well before an employer will consider seeking a multi-entry visa for an employee.  It is not likely something that would happen immediately (if at all) for the majority of expat workers. 

 Presently (as regulations can change) multi entry visas are only being issued for a period of six months.  In the past one was able to obtain a 9 month or one year multi entry visa but as of this posting that is not the case.  Another important factor is if you receive a multi-entry visa, you must exit the country within 3 months of issuance of the multi entry visa.  Otherwise it will be highly unlikely that you would have the opportunity to obtain or renew your multi entry visa. 

Lastly, Saudi women or foreign women who are married to Saudis, even if they have a multi entry visa will also be required to have a document signed by their husband (or legal male guardian) which gives them permission to leave the Kingdom (if unaccompanied by the male guardian).

Filed under: culture, gender, politics, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, travel, Uncategorized