Work visa delay

You got degree from UK university?

SA HUSSAIN wrote:

My latest development: I have been asked by someone at the Saudi Culture Office in Islamabad to get my BRITISH Master's Degree attested via the Saudi Culture Office in the UK!  has anyone heard of such a thing?
I thought Saudi culture attache office was responsible for attesting all degrees of Pakistani Nationals.

Please if anyone can guide me?

In case of a foreign degree, you need to get its equivalence certificate from HEC and then get the equivalence certificate attested by the Saudi Culture Office.

I have done that. Exactly that!

The degree has been attested by the British Council, HEC, and MOFA.

But they want us to fill UKSCA online form. This has never happened before as far as I know.
Very difficult this entire process.

My documents await attestation from the Saudi culture office in Islamabad, which was submitted to them on the 21st of April 2018. In the past, all Foreign degrees were attested directly by them after completing the required due process.

Now they are forwarding candidates to SAUDI CULTURE OFFICES overseas.

Newyork89 wrote:

You got degree from UK university?

Yes, brother.

SA HUSSAIN wrote:

I have done that. Exactly that!

The degree has been attested by the British Council, HEC, and MOFA.

But they want us to fill UKSCA online form. This has never happened before as far as I know.
Very difficult this entire process.

My documents await attestation from the Saudi culture office in Islamabad, which was submitted to them on the 21st of April 2018. In the past, all Foreign degrees were attested directly by them after completing the required due process.

Now they are forwarding candidates to SAUDI CULTURE OFFICES overseas.

This is really strange. Is there anything unusual in your case? Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

skk1984 wrote:

SA HUSSAIN wrote:

I have done that. Exactly that!

The degree has been attested by the British Council, HEC, and MOFA.

But they want us to fill UKSCA online form. This has never happened before as far as I know.
Very difficult this entire process.

My documents await attestation from the Saudi culture office in Islamabad, which was submitted to them on the 21st of April 2018. In the past, all Foreign degrees were attested directly by them after completing the required due process.

Now they are forwarding candidates to SAUDI CULTURE OFFICES overseas.

This is really strange. Is there anything unusual in your case? Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

I agree! they say these are the new SAUDI ATTESTATION RULES.
All Pakistani nationals having UK degrees should get their qualifications attested via UK SCAB in addition to SCO in Islamabad. They are a couple of other candidates who have been asked to do this as well.
It is most inconvenient for me!
my employer and I are now truly exhausted and then when I went to this UK SCAB website to upload documents, they rejected the verification request /application, by saying that the Saudi chamber of commerce stamp has not been affixed on the employment contract! Although it is very much there, as i am uploading the photocopy version of the AQAD, it is slightly less visible.
Can you imagine what I am going through?
Now I have asked my company to re-send the documents to me with VISIBLE SAUDI COC Stamp on AQAD  - EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT.
Really I don't have words to describe my inner feelings. .

Also, let me add for the benefit of all concerned Pakistani's, who are willing to go to KSA!
Don't blindly trust your attestation agent and only send your documents through an agency, which has an ONLINE process tracking system, which would enable the candidate to know the status of progress made with regard to the attestation process.
The worst kind of agents are offering services in Karachi, who do not care as to what happens next, I.E. after you have paid them the fees.
Shame on all attestation agencies that misguide candidates, by saying that the process will get completed within three to four weeks.!
that is a big big big lie.
This attestation process in Pakistan for a foreign degree holder normally takes 6o days under ideal circumstances, and if things get stuck, it could even take up to 3-4 months, as seen in my case.
In India, Attestation delays are well known. I have read the horror stories on this forum. I think Pakistani's are facing similar problems.
I think its easier to get USA GREENCARD or some other country's passport if you apply so much effort elsewhere.
Waste of time!

SA HUSSAIN wrote:

skk1984 wrote:

SA HUSSAIN wrote:

I have done that. Exactly that!

The degree has been attested by the British Council, HEC, and MOFA.

But they want us to fill UKSCA online form. This has never happened before as far as I know.
Very difficult this entire process.

My documents await attestation from the Saudi culture office in Islamabad, which was submitted to them on the 21st of April 2018. In the past, all Foreign degrees were attested directly by them after completing the required due process.

Now they are forwarding candidates to SAUDI CULTURE OFFICES overseas.

This is really strange. Is there anything unusual in your case? Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

I agree! they say these are the new SAUDI ATTESTATION RULES.
All Pakistani nationals having UK degrees should get their qualifications attested via UK SCAB in addition to SCO in Islamabad. They are a couple of other candidates who have been asked to do this as well.
It is most inconvenient for me!
my employer and I are now truly exhausted and then when I went to this UK SCAB website to upload documents, they rejected the verification request /application, by saying that the Saudi chamber of commerce stamp has not been affixed on the employment contract! Although it is very much there, as i am uploading the photocopy version of the AQAD, it is slightly less visible.
Can you imagine what I am going through?
Now I have asked my company to re-send the documents to me with VISIBLE SAUDI COC Stamp on AQAD  - EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT.
Really I don't have words to describe my inner feelings. .

Thank you for the detailed response brother. May Allah make it easy for all of us. Can you please tell me more about your qualifications? E.g., your field of studies in Bachelors, Masters, PhD etc?

Masters in Finance.

skk1984 wrote:

SA HUSSAIN wrote:

skk1984 wrote:

This is really strange. Is there anything unusual in your case? Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

I agree! they say these are the new SAUDI ATTESTATION RULES.
All Pakistani nationals having UK degrees should get their qualifications attested via UK SCAB in addition to SCO in Islamabad. They are a couple of other candidates who have been asked to do this as well.
It is most inconvenient for me!
my employer and I are now truly exhausted and then when I went to this UK SCAB website to upload documents, they rejected the verification request /application, by saying that the Saudi chamber of commerce stamp has not been affixed on the employment contract! Although it is very much there, as i am uploading the photocopy version of the AQAD, it is slightly less visible.
Can you imagine what I am going through?
Now I have asked my company to re-send the documents to me with VISIBLE SAUDI COC Stamp on AQAD  - EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT.
Really I don't have words to describe my inner feelings. .

Thank you for the detailed response brother. May Allah make it easy for all of us. Can you please tell me more about your qualifications? E.g., your field of studies in Bachelors, Masters, PhD etc?

Jazak Allah Khair

SA HUSSAIN wrote:

skk1984 wrote:

SA HUSSAIN wrote:

I have done that. Exactly that!

The degree has been attested by the British Council, HEC, and MOFA.

But they want us to fill UKSCA online form. This has never happened before as far as I know.
Very difficult this entire process.

My documents await attestation from the Saudi culture office in Islamabad, which was submitted to them on the 21st of April 2018. In the past, all Foreign degrees were attested directly by them after completing the required due process.

Now they are forwarding candidates to SAUDI CULTURE OFFICES overseas.

This is really strange. Is there anything unusual in your case? Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

I agree! they say these are the new SAUDI ATTESTATION RULES.
All Pakistani nationals having UK degrees should get their qualifications attested via UK SCAB in addition to SCO in Islamabad. They are a couple of other candidates who have been asked to do this as well.
It is most inconvenient for me!
my employer and I are now truly exhausted and then when I went to this UK SCAB website to upload documents, they rejected the verification request /application, by saying that the Saudi chamber of commerce stamp has not been affixed on the employment contract! Although it is very much there, as i am uploading the photocopy version of the AQAD, it is slightly less visible.
Can you imagine what I am going through?
Now I have asked my company to re-send the documents to me with VISIBLE SAUDI COC Stamp on AQAD  - EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT.
Really I don't have words to describe my inner feelings. .

I can understand your feelings brother. I'A things will get better for you soon.

Can you please tell me the following?

1. How long did the UK SACB attestation take in your case?
2. Can UK SACB attestation be done before receiving the visa number?
3. Are there any charges for the UK SACB attestation service?
4. Can you recommend any agent in Islamabad for the attestation of documents from Saudi Culture Office in Islamabad? Btw, I came across a list of SCO authorized agents online. Can't really say how authentic or how recent it is. But did you use services of any of these agents?

skk1984 wrote:

SA HUSSAIN wrote:

skk1984 wrote:

This is really strange. Is there anything unusual in your case? Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

I agree! they say these are the new SAUDI ATTESTATION RULES.
All Pakistani nationals having UK degrees should get their qualifications attested via UK SCAB in addition to SCO in Islamabad. They are a couple of other candidates who have been asked to do this as well.
It is most inconvenient for me!
my employer and I are now truly exhausted and then when I went to this UK SCAB website to upload documents, they rejected the verification request /application, by saying that the Saudi chamber of commerce stamp has not been affixed on the employment contract! Although it is very much there, as i am uploading the photocopy version of the AQAD, it is slightly less visible.
Can you imagine what I am going through?
Now I have asked my company to re-send the documents to me with VISIBLE SAUDI COC Stamp on AQAD  - EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT.
Really I don't have words to describe my inner feelings. .

I can understand your feelings brother. I'A things will get better for you soon.

Can you please tell me the following?

1. How long did the UK SACB attestation take in your case?
2. Can UK SACB attestation be done before receiving the visa number?
3. Are there any charges for the UK SACB attestation service?
4. Can you recommend any agent in Islamabad for the attestation of documents from Saudi Culture Office in Islamabad? Btw, I came across a list of SCO authorized agents online. Can't really say how authentic or how recent it is. But did you use services of any of these agents?

http://lifeinsaudiarabia.net/wp-content … jpg?x12470

http://lifeinsaudiarabia.net/wp-content … jpg?x12470

Let me try to give you my honest reply based on my understanding =>

1. How long did the UK SACB attestation take in your case?
Still under process. They rejected my degree verification request as my EMPLOYMENT AQAD didn't have the SAUDI COC  - CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Stamp properly affixed on the last page.

So a make sure you make a colored scanned copy and upload that! Untidy copy with the nonvisible stamp or murky stamps and signatures can create unwarranted process related issues. They rejected my application because of that! I will reapply once I get my stamp affixed on the AQAD from the employer.

2. Can UK SACB attestation be done before receiving the visa number?
I am not sure. Please ask your attestation service provider aka agent or directly confirm by writing to the SCAO - SAUDI CULTURE ATTACHE OFFICE based in Islamabad.

Sometimes, they do send a reply to email queries. But not always!

Anyways, I think it makes more sense to directly apply for attestation using their website.
You will require 4 things=>

A. LETTER OF CONSENT  / AUTHORIZATION SIGNED BY YOU
B. EMPLOYMENT AQAD (CONTRACT)
C. DEGREE COPY - CLEAR COPY NOT ATTESTED OR ANYTHING ELSE ON IT.
D. PASSPORT COPY.

THEY DONT REQUIRE E - VISA Number for this process! but do double check again for your personal satisfaction.

3. Are there any charges for the UK SACB attestation service?
I didn't see any on their website. 

I think its free of cost.

4. Can you recommend any agent in Islamabad for the attestation of documents from Saudi Culture Office in Islamabad? Btw, I came across a list of SCO authorized agents online. Can't really say how authentic or how recent it is. But did you use services of any of these agents?

I don't know anything about ISB based attestation agents, as I am residing in Karachi.

You can try AL FAKHAR or ZAM ZAM CAPITAL.

But again that is entirely up to you!

Good Luck.

SA HUSSAIN wrote:

skk1984 wrote:

SA HUSSAIN wrote:

I agree! they say these are the new SAUDI ATTESTATION RULES.
All Pakistani nationals having UK degrees should get their qualifications attested via UK SCAB in addition to SCO in Islamabad. They are a couple of other candidates who have been asked to do this as well.
It is most inconvenient for me!
my employer and I are now truly exhausted and then when I went to this UK SCAB website to upload documents, they rejected the verification request /application, by saying that the Saudi chamber of commerce stamp has not been affixed on the employment contract! Although it is very much there, as i am uploading the photocopy version of the AQAD, it is slightly less visible.
Can you imagine what I am going through?
Now I have asked my company to re-send the documents to me with VISIBLE SAUDI COC Stamp on AQAD  - EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT.
Really I don't have words to describe my inner feelings. .

I can understand your feelings brother. I'A things will get better for you soon.

Can you please tell me the following?

1. How long did the UK SACB attestation take in your case?
2. Can UK SACB attestation be done before receiving the visa number?
3. Are there any charges for the UK SACB attestation service?
4. Can you recommend any agent in Islamabad for the attestation of documents from Saudi Culture Office in Islamabad? Btw, I came across a list of SCO authorized agents online. Can't really say how authentic or how recent it is. But did you use services of any of these agents?

http://lifeinsaudiarabia.net/wp-content … jpg?x12470

http://lifeinsaudiarabia.net/wp-content … jpg?x12470

Let me try to give you my honest reply based on my understanding =>

1. How long did the UK SACB attestation take in your case?
Still under process. They rejected my degree verification request as my EMPLOYMENT AQAD didn't have the SAUDI COC  - CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Stamp properly affixed on the last page.

So a make sure you make a colored scanned copy and upload that! Untidy copy with the nonvisible stamp or murky stamps and signatures can create unwarranted process related issues. They rejected my application because of that! I will reapply once I get my stamp affixed on the AQAD from the employer.

2. Can UK SACB attestation be done before receiving the visa number?
I am not sure. Please ask your attestation service provider aka agent or directly confirm by writing to the SCAO - SAUDI CULTURE ATTACHE OFFICE based in Islamabad.

Sometimes, they do send a reply to email queries. But not always!

Anyways, I think it makes more sense to directly apply for attestation using their website.
You will require 4 things=>

A. LETTER OF CONSENT  / AUTHORIZATION SIGNED BY YOU
B. EMPLOYMENT AQAD (CONTRACT)
C. DEGREE COPY - CLEAR COPY NOT ATTESTED OR ANYTHING ELSE ON IT.
D. PASSPORT COPY.

THEY DONT REQUIRE E - VISA Number for this process! but do double check again for your personal satisfaction.

3. Are there any charges for the UK SACB attestation service?
I didn't see any on their website. 

I think its free of cost.

4. Can you recommend any agent in Islamabad for the attestation of documents from Saudi Culture Office in Islamabad? Btw, I came across a list of SCO authorized agents online. Can't really say how authentic or how recent it is. But did you use services of any of these agents?

I don't know anything about ISB based attestation agents, as I am residing in Karachi.

You can try AL FAKHAR or ZAM ZAM CAPITAL.

But again that is entirely up to you!

Good Luck.

Many thanks for your detailed reply brother. I will call SCO on Monday I'A and will confirm if I can apply for degree attestation from SACB before receiving my visa number. I have only recently signed the official electronic offer letter and don't have a CoC signed contract yet so I guess I will have to wait.

Good luck to all.

skk1984 wrote:

SA HUSSAIN wrote:

skk1984 wrote:

I can understand your feelings brother. I'A things will get better for you soon.

Can you please tell me the following?

1. How long did the UK SACB attestation take in your case?
2. Can UK SACB attestation be done before receiving the visa number?
3. Are there any charges for the UK SACB attestation service?
4. Can you recommend any agent in Islamabad for the attestation of documents from Saudi Culture Office in Islamabad? Btw, I came across a list of SCO authorized agents online. Can't really say how authentic or how recent it is. But did you use services of any of these agents?

http://lifeinsaudiarabia.net/wp-content … jpg?x12470

http://lifeinsaudiarabia.net/wp-content … jpg?x12470

Let me try to give you my honest reply based on my understanding =>

1. How long did the UK SACB attestation take in your case?
Still under process. They rejected my degree verification request as my EMPLOYMENT AQAD didn't have the SAUDI COC  - CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Stamp properly affixed on the last page.

So a make sure you make a colored scanned copy and upload that! Untidy copy with the nonvisible stamp or murky stamps and signatures can create unwarranted process related issues. They rejected my application because of that! I will reapply once I get my stamp affixed on the AQAD from the employer.

2. Can UK SACB attestation be done before receiving the visa number?
I am not sure. Please ask your attestation service provider aka agent or directly confirm by writing to the SCAO - SAUDI CULTURE ATTACHE OFFICE based in Islamabad.

Sometimes, they do send a reply to email queries. But not always!

Anyways, I think it makes more sense to directly apply for attestation using their website.
You will require 4 things=>

A. LETTER OF CONSENT  / AUTHORIZATION SIGNED BY YOU
B. EMPLOYMENT AQAD (CONTRACT)
C. DEGREE COPY - CLEAR COPY NOT ATTESTED OR ANYTHING ELSE ON IT.
D. PASSPORT COPY.

THEY DONT REQUIRE E - VISA Number for this process! but do double check again for your personal satisfaction.

3. Are there any charges for the UK SACB attestation service?
I didn't see any on their website. 

I think its free of cost.

4. Can you recommend any agent in Islamabad for the attestation of documents from Saudi Culture Office in Islamabad? Btw, I came across a list of SCO authorized agents online. Can't really say how authentic or how recent it is. But did you use services of any of these agents?

I don't know anything about ISB based attestation agents, as I am residing in Karachi.

You can try AL FAKHAR or ZAM ZAM CAPITAL.

But again that is entirely up to you!

Good Luck.

Many thanks for your detailed reply brother. I will call SCO on Monday I'A and will confirm if I can apply for degree attestation from SACB before receiving my visa number. I have only recently signed the official electronic offer letter and don't have a CoC signed contract yet so I guess I will have to wait.

Good Luck and do let me know about their feedback on this very important issue! 

Byes.

SA HUSSAIN wrote:

My latest development: I have been asked by someone at the Saudi Culture Office in Islamabad to get my BRITISH Master's Degree attested via the Saudi Culture Office in the UK!  has anyone heard of such a thing?
I thought Saudi culture attache office was responsible for attesting all degrees of Pakistani Nationals.

Please if anyone can guide me?

Not entirely. Since you got your Master's Degree In the UK and due to technicalities of not being able to actually prove that you indeed finished a master's Degree in the UK, the will ask you to get it attested in the UK. Is like applying for a permanent residency for canada or any of the other countries. Most will ask you to let you school that you graduated from to send them your credentials or OTR  straight to them through mail and not any other body including you. I think is the same that pertains here.

flex14 wrote:

SA HUSSAIN wrote:

My latest development: I have been asked by someone at the Saudi Culture Office in Islamabad to get my BRITISH Master's Degree attested via the Saudi Culture Office in the UK!  has anyone heard of such a thing?
I thought Saudi culture attache office was responsible for attesting all degrees of Pakistani Nationals.

Please if anyone can guide me?

Not entirely. Since you got your Master's Degree In the UK and due to technicalities of not being able to actually prove that you indeed finished a Master's Degree in the UK, the will ask you to get it attested in the UK. Is like applying for a permanent residency for canada or any of the other countries. Most will ask you to let you school that you graduated from to send them your credentials or OTR  straight to them through mail and not any other body including you. I think is the same that pertains here.

This was not the regulation before! Are you aware of the change in regulation and best practices, sir?

I have no problem in going through the UK SCAB, but why the documents were sent to SCO in Islamabad and they sat on that for more than 3 three months without giving any observations?   
Because previously, the SCO in Islamabad attested all credentials using the British council, MOFA and HEC Equivalence certificate and attestation of the same. That is the complete picture presented to us by the agent.

They have wasted my three months and now they are asking us to re-do this process.

Ideally, they should first ask the candidate to go through the online UK SCAB attestation and only after getting a go-ahead from the UK office, they should also attest the documents here in Pakistan.
That saves time!

skk1984 wrote:

SA HUSSAIN wrote:

skk1984 wrote:

I can understand your feelings brother. I'A things will get better for you soon.

Can you please tell me the following?

1. How long did the UK SACB attestation take in your case?
2. Can UK SACB attestation be done before receiving the visa number?
3. Are there any charges for the UK SACB attestation service?
4. Can you recommend any agent in Islamabad for the attestation of documents from Saudi Culture Office in Islamabad? Btw, I came across a list of SCO authorized agents online. Can't really say how authentic or how recent it is. But did you use services of any of these agents?

http://lifeinsaudiarabia.net/wp-content … jpg?x12470

http://lifeinsaudiarabia.net/wp-content … jpg?x12470

Let me try to give you my honest reply based on my understanding =>

1. How long did the UK SACB attestation take in your case?
Still under process. They rejected my degree verification request as my EMPLOYMENT AQAD didn't have the SAUDI COC  - CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Stamp properly affixed on the last page.

So a make sure you make a colored scanned copy and upload that! Untidy copy with the nonvisible stamp or murky stamps and signatures can create unwarranted process related issues. They rejected my application because of that! I will reapply once I get my stamp affixed on the AQAD from the employer.

2. Can UK SACB attestation be done before receiving the visa number?
I am not sure. Please ask your attestation service provider aka agent or directly confirm by writing to the SCAO - SAUDI CULTURE ATTACHE OFFICE based in Islamabad.

Sometimes, they do send a reply to email queries. But not always!

Anyways, I think it makes more sense to directly apply for attestation using their website.
You will require 4 things=>

A. LETTER OF CONSENT  / AUTHORIZATION SIGNED BY YOU
B. EMPLOYMENT AQAD (CONTRACT)
C. DEGREE COPY - CLEAR COPY NOT ATTESTED OR ANYTHING ELSE ON IT.
D. PASSPORT COPY.

THEY DONT REQUIRE E - VISA Number for this process! but do double check again for your personal satisfaction.

3. Are there any charges for the UK SACB attestation service?
I didn't see any on their website. 

I think its free of cost.

4. Can you recommend any agent in Islamabad for the attestation of documents from Saudi Culture Office in Islamabad? Btw, I came across a list of SCO authorized agents online. Can't really say how authentic or how recent it is. But did you use services of any of these agents?

I don't know anything about ISB based attestation agents, as I am residing in Karachi.

You can try AL FAKHAR or ZAM ZAM CAPITAL.

But again that is entirely up to you!

Good Luck.

Many thanks for your detailed reply brother. I will call SCO on Monday I'A and will confirm if I can apply for degree attestation from SACB before receiving my visa number. I have only recently signed the official electronic offer letter and don't have a CoC signed contract yet so I guess I will have to wait.

Yes that will be a more prudent thing to do under the given circumstances.

Please ONLY RESIGN from your current job, after you have comp,eted your attestation/s and get the work visa stamped in the passport.

Saudi employer contract letter or offer letter has little residual value if the Saudi culture office or embassy does not want to entertain your application for a given position!

Period.

Jazak Allah Khair

is it true? it takes 6 months to get working visa in ksa?

Yes.. it takes minimum 6 months to get your VISA stamped.
And as mentioned by other friend .. don't resign your job untill you get your VISA stamped in your passport.. please inform to everyone whoever trying to find job in ksa..

jomjenbi wrote:

is it true? it takes 6 months to get working visa in ksa?

In Pakistan and India, a very very difficult process.

Attestation alone takes an average of 2-6 months in Pakistan if you have a foreign degree.

In India, I have heard that attestation takes somewhere between 3-6 months.

If you can wait, do so, or move out to some other nice and normal place.

Newyork89 wrote:

Yes.. it takes minimum 6 months to get your VISA stamped.
And as mentioned by other friend .. don't resign your job untill you get your VISA stamped in your passport.. please inform to everyone whoever trying to find job in ksa..

you are right sir!

Dear frnds, I have worked for 5 years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I came back to India on final exit. Now i'm looking to get back to working in Riyadh with same company that I worked before. I sent my passport and certificates copy to the H.R department in oct 2018. It's been more than 2 months and I'm anxious about the delay in my visa. H.R replied to me it is still in process when I enquired. Kindly let me know what is the maximum time a person can wait before moving on to other oppurtunities. Plz help. Thank u.

Dear Friends

I selected direct face to face interview for Saudi MOH on 25Apr 2019 Same day I signed my offer letter and I complete all my attestation including Saudi Cultural Attestation on 25 July 2019.
But till now I didn’t get my Visa I keep in touch with recruitment consultants they are also following too. They didn’t receive visa for all who selected with me on same interview for other posts.
Now 6 months hardly completed till nothing happened.
My question delaying visa is normal process?
Still how long it takes time?
If anybody face same problem please guide me actual process for Visa I will be thankful to you.
Thanks

Hopefully all of you guys and gals got work Visa stamped on your passport and landed in KSA.